Martin P5M Marlin
Country of origin
United States
United States
ManufacturerGlenn L. Martin Company
The Martin P5M Marlin (P-5 Marlin after 1962) is a twin-engined maritime patrol flying boat designed and built by the American aircraft manufacturer Glenn L. Martin Company. It would be the final flying boat to be operated by the United States Navy (US Navy).
Derived from the successful World War II-era flying boat, the Martin PBM Mariner, the Marlin was developed during the late 1940s. Power was provided by a pair of Wright R-3350 radial engines while a new hull design enabled safer operations from rough seas. On 30 May 1948, the XP5M-1 prototype performed its maiden flight. Three years later, the P5M-1 production flying boats entered service with the US Navy; the improved P5M-2 would also be procured by the service. The US Navy deployed the type to conduct maritime surveillance patrols during the Vietnam War before ultimately opting to withdraw the type during the late 1960s. Plans to use Marlins for air-sea rescue with the United States Coast Guard were mooted but ultimately not followed through, those flying boats that were delivered being solely used for training instead. The French Navy also opted to procure the type to replace its Short Sunderlands. Ultimately, 285 flying boats...
Derived from the successful World War II-era flying boat, the Martin PBM Mariner, the Marlin was developed during the late 1940s. Power was provided by a pair of Wright R-3350 radial engines while a new hull design enabled safer operations from rough seas. On 30 May 1948, the XP5M-1 prototype performed its maiden flight. Three years later, the P5M-1 production flying boats entered service with the US Navy; the improved P5M-2 would also be procured by the service. The US Navy deployed the type to conduct maritime surveillance patrols during the Vietnam War before ultimately opting to withdraw the type during the late 1960s. Plans to use Marlins for air-sea rescue with the United States Coast Guard were mooted but ultimately not followed through, those flying boats that were delivered being solely used for training instead. The French Navy also opted to procure the type to replace its Short Sunderlands. Ultimately, 285 flying boats...
