Martin PM-2

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

The Martin PM-2 is an improved twin-engine biplane patrol flying boat, the follow-on to the PM-1, incorporating more powerful Pratt and Whitney Hornet engines for better performance and range. It served with US Navy patrol squadrons in the early 1930s.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, straight
E — Engines2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage15.24 m fuselage
T — TailTwin fin

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Visually almost identical to the PM-1 and PN-series aircraft; distinguishable mainly by engine cowling details and slightly different nacelle shapes in close inspection.

Specifications

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

History

The PM-2 represented the final development of the Martin-built PN-derived patrol flying boat, incorporating the most powerful available radial engines to extend endurance and improve patrol capability. Production was limited as monoplane designs began to supersede biplane patrol boats.

Variants

The PM-2 was the last of the Martin PM series; the follow-on P3M represented a fundamental design step to monoplane configuration.

Where you'll see it

Served with US Navy patrol squadrons from 1931, operating alongside PN and PM-1 variants before the introduction of the P3M monoplane rendered the biplane patrol boats obsolete.

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