Martin PBM-3 Mariner
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1941 · transport aircraft
The Martin PBM-3 Mariner was the primary production variant of the PBM patrol bomber flying boat, featuring Wright R-2600 radial engines and a distinctive gull-wing configuration with twin tail fins.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 24.33 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine patrol flying boat, gull-wing configuration
- Twin-finned tail unit on a boat hull
- Wright R-2600 radial engines, large sponsons for stability
A large twin-engine flying boat with a pronounced gull-wing, twin radial engines mounted above the wing bend, twin-finned tail, and a boat hull with prominent sponsons replacing the traditional wingtip floats.
Specifications
- The Martin PBM-3 Mariner has a length of 24.33 m (80 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 PBM Mariner served the US Navy throughout World War II as one of its principal patrol flying boats, conducting anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic and Pacific. The PBM-3 introduced improved engines and greater fuel capacity over the PBM-1, and the variant was produced in large numbers. Mariners sank numerous U-boats and participated in search-and-rescue missions across both ocean theatres.
Variants
The PBM family ran from the PBM-1 prototype through PBM-3 (main WWII production), PBM-5 (with Pratt & Whitney R-2800s), and post-war utility/ASR variants; the PBM-3D added ASV radar.
Where you'll see it
Served with the US Navy and US Coast Guard during WWII and into the early Cold War period; also operated by Australia, Canada, Argentina, and the Netherlands during and after the war.
Related aircraft
- Martin Baltimore
- Martin Baltimore Mk I
- Martin Baltimore Mk II
- Glenn L. Martin XPB2M-1 Mars
- Arado Ar 232
- Beechcraft GB-1
- Beechcraft JB-1 Traveller
- Beechcraft JRB-1 Voyager
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.