Martin P3M-1

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1929 · transport aircraft

The Martin P3M-1 is a three-engine high-wing monoplane patrol flying boat representing a significant transition from the biplane patrol boats of the 1920s to monoplane design. Its very large wing span and triple-engine layout gave it substantially greater patrol endurance than its biplane predecessors.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	3 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	17.37 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Three-engine high-wing monoplane patrol flying boat
Transition from biplane to monoplane patrol boat
Very large span parasol wing with triple engine arrangement

Distinguished from biplane patrol boats by its single high-mounted monoplane wing of very large span, three engine nacelles, and twin-tail configuration; the massive wing relative to the hull is immediately apparent.

Specifications

The Martin P3M-1 has a length of 17.37 m (57 ft).
It has a wingspan of 36.88 m (121 ft).
Its maximum speed is 201 km/h (125 mph).
Typical crew: 6.

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

History

Martin developed the P3M to meet US Navy interest in a more capable patrol flying boat than the biplane PN/PM series could provide. The monoplane configuration offered better efficiency and load-carrying capability. The P3M-1 entered limited service in 1929–30.

Variants

The P3M-1 was followed by the P3M-2 with refined engine installations; together they marked the transition before the larger Consolidated P2Y and Martin PBM types.

Where you'll see it

Served in limited numbers with US Navy patrol squadrons in the early 1930s, paving the way for more capable monoplane patrol flying boats.

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