Martin PBM Mariner

The Martin PBM Mariner is a twin-engine patrol bomber flying boat designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Glenn L. Martin Company. It was active during both the World War II and the early Cold War era.
Developed during the late 1930s, the Mariner was designed to complement the Consolidated PBY Catalina and PB2Y Coronado then in service with the United States Navy (US Navy). To prove the company's performance projections in the face of scepticism, Martin produced a three-eighths scale flying model, the Martin 162A, in addition to the full-scale prototype, designated XPBM-1. Unusually, the US Navy opted to place an initial production order for the type prior to completion of this prototype, which performed its maiden flight on 18 February 1939. The Mariner entering service with the US Navy in September 1940; it was the principal customer for the type, of which 1,366 flying boats were built. In addition to the US Navy, various other operators for the type emerged, including the United States Coast Guard, Royal Australian Air Force, and the Argentine Navy.
Initially used by the US Navy to conduct Neutrality Patrols in the Atlantic, Mariners commenced anti-submarine patrols...