Martin P5M-1 Marlin

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1948 · transport aircraft

The Martin P5M-1 Marlin is the initial production variant of the P5M Marlin maritime patrol flying boat, powered by two Wright R-3350 radial piston engines. It introduced the T-tail arrangement that would characterise the entire P5M family.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	30.66 m fuselage
T — Tail	T-tail

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Spot it by:

Twin piston-engine patrol flying boat with T-tail
High-set gull wing over single-step hull
First variant of the Marlin before turboprop upgrade

Distinguished from the P5M-2 by its round piston engine cowlings rather than turboprop nacelles; both share the T-tail, high gull wing, and large single-step boat hull profile.

Specifications

The Martin P5M-1 Marlin has a length of 30.66 m (101 ft).
It has a wingspan of 36.02 m (118 ft).
Its maximum speed is 392 km/h (244 mph).
Typical crew: 11.

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

History

Developed in the late 1940s as a replacement for the PBM Mariner, the P5M-1 Marlin entered US Navy service in 1952. It featured a new single-step hull for improved hydrodynamic performance and the distinctive T-tail for better elevator effectiveness clear of the hull wake.

Variants

The P5M-1 was the piston-powered initial production variant; the P5M-2 introduced Wright T49 turboprop engines and a revised bow section for improved performance. Both were later redesignated P-5A and P-5B.

Where you'll see it

Served with US Navy patrol squadrons from 1952, conducting maritime patrol in both Atlantic and Pacific; the P5M-1's piston engines were considered underpowered relative to the aircraft's size, motivating the turboprop P5M-2.

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