The name "Flying Prostitute" has been applied to several types (as has
"Widowmaker) but I believe it was originally coined for the Martin B-26
Marauder. Despite an appalling loss ratio in training, it had one of the
best combat rates in the European Theater - perhaps because the lesser crews
were weeded out stateside.
OM Content: I shot the cockpit section of the B-26 "Flak Bait" in the
Smithsonian A & S Museum week before last (OM-4T, 24/2.8). It is awaiting
construction of the Dulles exhibition hall to be joined with the rest of the
airplane, now in storage at the Garber facility. One of my wife's elderly
colleagues flew a full tour in B-26s from England. You would never guess it
from his manner now. There aren't many of those brave men left.
Gary Edwards
people, places, flight at http://members.home.com/garyetx/
----- Original Message -----
From: <bhinderks@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, June 29, 2001 11:48 AM
> Canadians stationed in Germany at the time watched in awe and hence one of
> the 104's nicknames. The other was the "Flying Prostitute" - the aircraft
> had "no visible means of support" with the short wingspan. As a side note
> the leading edges of the wing were so sharp they had special bumpers made
> to cover them when the a/c not in use.
>
> Barry H
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