Martin PBM Mariner

The Martin PBM Mariner, produced by the Glenn L. Martin Company from 1939 to 1946, was a large, twin‑engine patrol bomber that served as the U.S. Navy’s principal flying‑boat throughout World War II and the Korean conflict. Its first flight on 14 May 1940 led to a series of variants—PBM‑1, ‑3, ‑5 and later – 7—each incorporating stronger Pratt & Whitney R‑2800 Double Wasp radials, improved defensive armament, and increased fuel capacity. The high‑wing, all‑metal hull featured a spacious cabin that could accommodate a crew of nine, a sizeable bomb load, depth charges, and later, air‑to‑surface missiles. Designed for long‑range maritime patrol, the Mariner excelled in anti‑submarine warfare, employing radar, magnetic anomaly detectors, and sonobuoys to locate enemy U‑boats. Its amphibious capability allowed operations from both seaplane bases and conventional runways, giving the Navy flexibility in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean theaters. Beyond combat, PBMs performed search‑and‑rescue missions, transport duties, and escorted convoys, proving vital in preserving Allied sea lines. The aircraft’s durability, versatile payload, and pioneering use of airborne radar cemented its place as a cornerstone of mid‑20th‑century naval aviation, influencing later maritime patrol designs.

Glenn L. Martin Company

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