Martin 4-0-4

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1950 · airliner

The Martin 4-0-4 was a twin-engine pressurised piston airliner that competed with the Convair 240/340 on short to medium US domestic routes in the early 1950s. It offered a smooth ride and good reliability for its era.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	Oval pressurised fuselage with round windows
T — Tail	Conventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radials in low-wing configuration
Oval pressurised fuselage with round windows
Retractable tricycle gear

Similar in appearance to the Convair 240/340/440 family but distinguishable by its slightly different nose profile, engine nacelle shape, and Martin company details. The pressurised circular fuselage cross-section is shared with the Convair twins.

Specifications

The Martin 4-0-4 has a length of 22.73 m (75 ft).
It has a wingspan of 28.44 m (93 ft).
Its maximum speed is 450 km/h (280 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed as an improved version of the earlier Martin 2-0-2, the 4-0-4 entered airline service with TWA and Eastern Air Lines in 1951. It was a commercial success for Martin but could not compete with the later introduction of jet airliners.

Variants

The 4-0-4 was the definitive production variant following the unpressurised 2-0-2 and the interim 2-0-2A; no significant further variants were developed as Martin exited the commercial aircraft business.

Where you'll see it

Operated mainly by TWA and Eastern Air Lines on US domestic trunk routes; surplus aircraft later served with smaller regional carriers and in executive transport roles.

Related aircraft

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