Martin XP2M-1

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

The Martin XP2M-1 is an experimental prototype long-range patrol flying boat developed for the US Navy around 1929, serving as a stepping stone toward the P3M monoplane patrol series. It was a large three-engine high-wing design exploring the monoplane patrol concept.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, tapered
E — Engines3 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage19.81 m fuselage
T — TailTwin fin

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A large three-engine high-wing monoplane flying boat broadly similar to the P3M series but with slightly different proportions reflecting its prototype status.

Specifications

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

History

Martin developed the XP2M-1 as an experimental type to investigate monoplane patrol flying boat performance at a time when the Navy was considering the transition away from biplane patrol boats. The single prototype provided valuable design data that fed into the P3M series.

Variants

The XP2M-1 was a one-off prototype; the production P3M-1 and P3M-2 represented the practical outcome of this line of development.

Where you'll see it

Evaluated by the US Navy but not placed in production; the aircraft served its purpose as a technology demonstrator.

Related aircraft

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