Martin M-130

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1934 · airliner

The Martin M-130 was an American four-engine long-range flying boat operated by Pan American Airways in the 1930s on pioneering trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic air mail and passenger services. Three were built, all named China Clipper variants.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	4 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	27.7 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Pan American Clipper flying boat of the 1930s
Four radial engines in wing leading-edge nacelles
Operated trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes for Pan Am

A large parasol flying boat with the wing mounted high above the fuselage on a thick pylon; four radial engines mounted in leading-edge nacelles and prominent stabilising floats under the outer wing panels are characteristic features.

Specifications

The Martin M-130 has a length of 27.7 m (91 ft).
It has a wingspan of 39.7 m (130 ft).
Its maximum speed is 290 km/h (180 mph).
Typical crew: 6.

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

History

First flown in December 1934, the three M-130s — China Clipper, Philippine Clipper and Hawaii Clipper — inaugurated Pan American's Pacific Clipper service in November 1935, making the first commercial trans-Pacific airmail flight. All three were lost during World War II to accident or enemy action.

Variants

Three production aircraft were built (NC14714, NC14715, NC14716); all were nominally identical.

Where you'll see it

Operated exclusively by Pan American Airways from 1935 until wartime losses; none survived the war.

Related aircraft

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