Martin XP6M-1 SeaMaster
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1955 · bomber
The Martin XP6M-1 SeaMaster is a prototype jet-powered swept-wing strategic flying boat designed for mine-laying and strike operations, representing the most ambitious attempt to combine jet performance with the flying boat concept. It first flew in July 1955.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbojet, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 40.84 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Jet-powered swept-wing strategic flying boat
- Four jets in paired nacelles on upper wing surface
- Ambitious Cold War Navy jet flying boat for mine-laying and bombing
Unmistakable — the only large swept-wing jet flying boat produced; four engines in paired wing-mounted nacelles set above the wing surface, T-tail, and a sleek swept hull set it apart from any other aircraft.
Specifications
- The Martin XP6M-1 SeaMaster has a length of 40.84 m (134 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 38.73 m (127 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 933 km/h (580 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Martin designed the XP6M in response to a US Navy requirement for a high-speed sea-based nuclear strike capability, providing the Navy with an alternative strategic delivery platform independent of land bases. Two XP6M-1 prototypes were built, followed by refined YP6M-1 pre-production examples, before the programme was cancelled in 1959 as the Polaris submarine missile system made the concept redundant.
Variants
The XP6M-1 prototypes led to the YP6M-1 pre-production aircraft; the production P6M-2 was ordered but cancelled before delivery. One prototype was lost in a crash.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; the SeaMaster programme was cancelled in 1959 after considerable development cost.
Related aircraft
- Glenn L. Martin P6M-2 SeaMaster
- Martin P6M SeaMaster
- Martin P5M-2 Marlin
- Martin B-57 Canberra
- Boeing B-52D Stratofortress
- Convair NB-36H
- Ilyushin Il-54
- Beriev Be-10
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