Martin PBM Mariner

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1939 · transport aircraft

The Martin PBM Mariner was the principal US Navy twin-engine patrol flying boat of the Second World War, used for anti-submarine, convoy escort, and maritime reconnaissance. Its gull-wing high-mounted engine arrangement kept propellers above the water spray.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	23.98 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

WWII-era twin-engine US patrol flying boat
Twin endplate tail fins on a high horizontal stabiliser
Gull-wing engine nacelles to keep props clear of spray

A high-wing gull-wing patrol flying boat with two large radials, twin end-plate fins and rudders on the horizontal tail, and a long single-step hull with prominent nose and dorsal gun positions.

Specifications

The Martin PBM Mariner has a length of 23.98 m (79 ft).
It has a wingspan of 35.97 m (118 ft).
Its maximum speed is 340 km/h (211 mph).
Typical crew: 7–9.

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

History

The Mariner first flew in February 1939 and entered USN service in 1940. Over 1,366 were built, serving throughout the Pacific and Atlantic theatres. It equipped Navy patrol squadrons (VPs) and was also supplied to the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force. Post-war, the Mariner continued in US Coast Guard service for search and rescue.

Variants

The PBM-3 was the primary wartime variant; the PBM-5 introduced water-injected engines; the PBM-5A added amphibious capability with retractable gear.

Where you'll see it

Extensively operated by the US Navy and Coast Guard during and after WWII; smaller numbers served the RAF and RAAF.

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