Martin P3M-2

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1931 · transport aircraft

The Martin P3M-2 is the improved follow-on to the P3M-1 patrol flying boat, incorporating refined engine installations and detail improvements for better performance and reliability. It continued the transition from biplane to monoplane patrol boats in the early 1930s US Navy.

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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Spot it by:

Improved three-engine monoplane patrol flying boat
Refined engine nacelles over P3M-1
Early 1930s US Navy patrol boat bridging biplane and modern eras

Essentially identical in profile to the P3M-1; the very large span monoplane wing, triple engine layout, and twin-tail flying boat hull form are the key recognition features.

Specifications

The Martin P3M-2 has a length of 17.37 m (57 ft).
It has a wingspan of 36.88 m (121 ft).
Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
Typical crew: 6.

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

History

Building on experience with the P3M-1, the P3M-2 introduced more powerful engines and refinements to the fuel and systems installations. Both P3M variants served in parallel before being replaced by the Consolidated P2Y and later Consolidated PBY Catalina.

Variants

The P3M-2 was the final member of the P3M series; subsequent Martin patrol flying boat development led to the much larger PBM Mariner.

Where you'll see it

Served with US Navy patrol squadrons in the early-to-mid 1930s, overlapping with the introduction of the PBY Catalina which would take the patrol boat role to new levels of capability.

Related aircraft

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