Difference between revisions of "PBM-1 "Mariner""

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(Suspended armament: Updated)
 
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 +
{{About
 +
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other gift version
 +
| link = PBM-3 "Mariner"
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=pbm_1
 
|code=pbm_1
Line 6: Line 11:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Hot Tracks"]].
+
Glenn L. Martin Company was one of the few companies in America that was heavily into designing and producing seaplanes. One of the many seaplanes they built was the twin-engine PBM Mariner intended to be the successor of the P3M. The PBM-1 would feature two Wright R-2600-6 engines each producing 1,600 hp as well as a gull wing type design and twin tail. They entered service in 1940 and were utilized in regular patrols as well as anti-submarine warfare. Ten U-boats were sunk by PBM Mariners including U-158 which was sunk near the Bermudas. Mariners in American service were used until the last squadron (VP-50) retired the aircraft in 1956.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Hot Tracks"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a very well-defended bomber capable of carrying heavy bomb loads. Unfortunately, the larger bomb loads come at the price of being very big and heavy compared to other bombers around its BR. Luckily, the PBM-1 has 5 turrets all housing 12.7 mm machine guns which is excellent for its BR. None of the turrets cover the bottom of the aircraft so players need to take evasive action against aircraft climbing up to attack. The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a strong bomber thanks to its excellent bomb load and strong defensive armament.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 71: Line 78:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
+
A robust aircraft and able to take more damage than others of size, compensating for lack of armor and slower speed.  It also has .50 cal defensive machine guns covering nearly all angles, best angle is on beam where 3 of the mg's can converge. If one cannot fly above enemy fighters, then fly just above the ground where defensive gunners can engage.  A well-timed bomb could also take down a pursuing enemy. It also has advantages in its natural element, naval battles!
* No armour
 
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in front fuselage, 1 in each wingroot)
 
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
+
Bomb racks are the priority unlock for this unit, only pick a speed mod if needed to unlock to lower ranks.  After that get the Ammo, Wing, and Engine; the rest is your discretion.
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
Line 83: Line 88:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
+
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
Line 92: Line 97:
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (6,400 lb total)
 +
 +
It all about big bombs, and lots of them.  The 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs is ideal, but in some missions carrying 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (also 4,000 lb total) can work better.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 104: Line 112:
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (375 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (375 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (350 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (350 rpg)
 +
 +
All the guns cover the upper hemisphere of the PBM, best to fly on deck when enemy is near.  The M2 Browning machine gun is potent at this battle rating, so you have a good chance of shooting down an aircraft.  Remember to select the API-T belt.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
The PBM-1 should be played like its predecessors. Fly high and bomb bases. The PBM is however fairly slow and has a rather bad climb rate, so it will take time. The PBM can carry up to 4 x 1,000 lb bombs. It is advisable to carry this bombload for bombing bases. Even though you are slow, you are not defenceless. Your .50s will shred everything at your BR. Once your bombs are dropped it is advisable to land, but acting as a "gunship" can also be somewhat successful.
+
The PBM-1 should be played like its predecessors. Fly high and bomb bases. The PBM is however fairly slow and has a rather bad climb rate, so it will take time. The PBM can carry up to 4 x 1,000 lb bombs. It is advisable to carry this bombload for bombing bases. Even though you are slow, you are not defenseless. Your .50s will shred everything at your BR. Once your bombs are dropped it is advisable to land, but acting as a "gunship" can also be somewhat successful.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 136: Line 146:
 
* Defensive armament has great coverage
 
* Defensive armament has great coverage
 
* Using WEP doesn't make engines overheat
 
* Using WEP doesn't make engines overheat
 +
* Large fuselage with lots of non-critical empty space can absorb lots of bullets
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in lower fuselage, 1 in each wingroot)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Terrible survivability, thanks to the fact that it has no armour
+
* No armour
 
* Gunners can easily be taken out, especially the tail gunner (no armour, and no bulletproof glass either)
 
* Gunners can easily be taken out, especially the tail gunner (no armour, and no bulletproof glass either)
* Vulnerable to attacks directly from below
+
* Lacks a belly turret (due to being a boat) and therefore vulnerable to attacks directly from below
* Slow aircraft with a poor climb rate
+
* Very slow aircraft with a poor climb rate
 +
* Very bright peace-time paint scheme.
 +
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
During the 1930s the United States had a vibrant seaplane making industry making ever larger flying boat category of seaplanes. Sikorsky, Boeing, Grumman, Consolidated (of [[PBY-5 (Family)|PBY]] fame), and Martin all vied for the lucrative opportunities of an aircraft that could land almost anywhere on earth with little investment in facilities. Advances in technology lead the US Navy created a few new "system designation" in 1935, with "PB" for "Patrol Bomber" being one of them. Glenn L. Martin company leveraged its considerable flying boat and bomber aircraft experience to design a new aircraft for the requirements of long range with considerable offensive ability and bomb load. In many ways similar to the PBY, it was superior in having internal bomb bay, providing a performance advantage when fully loaded (commonly posted stats often do not list fully loaded performance). It was also larger, more complex, and 50% heavier.
 +
 
 +
After testing with a 3/8 scale flying model (Martin 162A Tadpole Clipper), the XPBM-1 prototype first flew in 18 February 1939 proving a solid design, except for stability issue with the horizontal stabilizer and twin tails. To solve this the production PBM-1's horizontal stabilizer was given a dihedral to match the wing but maintained the 90 degree angle to the vertical stabilizer, resulting in an inward cant of the vertical/rudder tail (unlike nearly any other aircraft, like the Be-6). Like the PBY the wing floats retracted, but not to the tips but instead into the wing (like the [[BV 238]]). Defensive armament was 5 turrets, nose, dorsal, tail, and both waists in unique round windows, each a single .50 cal machine gun, considered very powerful in 1939. The doors under the nacelle and inner wing look like they are for landing gear, but are instead for the internal bomb bay! Able to carry a sizable bombload without the performance drag penalty of external mounts, the PBM-1 had a notable performance advantage over the PBY. Not immediately visible is the triangular shaped doors under the nose, which opened for the bomb sight station. There was also an adapter to carry two torpedoes just below the nacelle (similar to the Martin produced [[B-26B|B-26]]).
 +
 
 +
Although a sound design, only twenty one of the "-1" was built before the improved "-3" was put into production. Those 21 where heavily used in patrolling coastal North America, at first doing "neutrality patrols" hunting for enemy submarines and raiders in territorial waters and shadow allied convoys. PBM was also the first US Navy aircraft to be equipped with British made AVS surface search radar to improve its mission. Demand for this aircraft was destined to increase.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 153: Line 171:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=hydroplane&vehicle=pbm_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pbm_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Q5kI27xlDFA|'''Boat LiFE Was Never Better! {{PAGENAME}} - USA - Review!''' - ''Jengar''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|Q5kI27xlDFA|'''Boat LiFE Was Never Better! {{PAGENAME}} - USA - Review!''' - ''Jengar''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 10:22, 4 November 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the American bomber PBM-1 "Mariner". For the other gift version, see PBM-3 "Mariner".
PBM-1 "Mariner"
pbm_1.png
GarageImage PBM-1 "Mariner".jpg
PBM-1 "Mariner"
AB RB SB
2.0 2.0 2.0
Research:5 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Glenn L. Martin Company was one of the few companies in America that was heavily into designing and producing seaplanes. One of the many seaplanes they built was the twin-engine PBM Mariner intended to be the successor of the P3M. The PBM-1 would feature two Wright R-2600-6 engines each producing 1,600 hp as well as a gull wing type design and twin tail. They entered service in 1940 and were utilized in regular patrols as well as anti-submarine warfare. Ten U-boats were sunk by PBM Mariners including U-158 which was sunk near the Bermudas. Mariners in American service were used until the last squadron (VP-50) retired the aircraft in 1956.

Introduced in Update "Hot Tracks", the PBM-1 "Mariner" is a very well-defended bomber capable of carrying heavy bomb loads. Unfortunately, the larger bomb loads come at the price of being very big and heavy compared to other bombers around its BR. Luckily, the PBM-1 has 5 turrets all housing 12.7 mm machine guns which is excellent for its BR. None of the turrets cover the bottom of the aircraft so players need to take evasive action against aircraft climbing up to attack. The PBM-1 "Mariner" is a strong bomber thanks to its excellent bomb load and strong defensive armament.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 657 m346 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude6 200 m
Engine2 х Wright R-2600-6
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight22 t

The PBM-1 does not shine in flight performance as it has terrible climb rate and speed. This along with the low wing-loading makes it your average medium bomber without the perks of being able to outrun or out-climb your opponent.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,657 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 330 317 6200 30.0 31.0 4.4 4.4 1,200
Upgraded 369 346 28.1 29.0 8.1 6.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
388.88 450 498 469 320 ~5 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 260 < 220 < 230 > 312

Survivability and armour

Crew7 people
Speed of destruction
Structural389 km/h
Gear450 km/h

A robust aircraft and able to take more damage than others of size, compensating for lack of armor and slower speed. It also has .50 cal defensive machine guns covering nearly all angles, best angle is on beam where 3 of the mg's can converge. If one cannot fly above enemy fighters, then fly just above the ground where defensive gunners can engage. A well-timed bomb could also take down a pursuing enemy. It also has advantages in its natural element, naval battles!

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB356 → 447 Sl icon.png
RB549 → 689 Sl icon.png
SB794 → 997 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 430 Rp icon.png
4 860 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 110 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC-25
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-25
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC-25
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AN-Mk 1
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

Bomb racks are the priority unlock for this unit, only pick a speed mod if needed to unlock to lower ranks. After that get the Ammo, Wing, and Engine; the rest is your discretion.

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (6)
Setup 112 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Setup 26 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb
Setup 36 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 42 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 54 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
Setup 64 x 1600 lb AN-Mk 1 armor-piercing bomb

The PBM-1 "Mariner" can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
  • 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (6,400 lb total)

It all about big bombs, and lots of them. The 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs is ideal, but in some missions carrying 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (also 4,000 lb total) can work better.

Defensive armament

Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Ammunition350 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Ammunition375 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The PBM-1 "Mariner" is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose turret (400 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (400 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (375 rpg)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (350 rpg)

All the guns cover the upper hemisphere of the PBM, best to fly on deck when enemy is near. The M2 Browning machine gun is potent at this battle rating, so you have a good chance of shooting down an aircraft. Remember to select the API-T belt.

Usage in battles

The PBM-1 should be played like its predecessors. Fly high and bomb bases. The PBM is however fairly slow and has a rather bad climb rate, so it will take time. The PBM can carry up to 4 x 1,000 lb bombs. It is advisable to carry this bombload for bombing bases. Even though you are slow, you are not defenseless. Your .50s will shred everything at your BR. Once your bombs are dropped it is advisable to land, but acting as a "gunship" can also be somewhat successful.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Separate Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Quite manoeuvrable for a bomber (can outturn many heavy fighters, and some single-engine fighters)
  • Can carry a large payload for its BR (4,000 lbs)
  • If aimed properly, and using the right belts, defensive armament is very deadly
  • Defensive armament has great coverage
  • Using WEP doesn't make engines overheat
  • Large fuselage with lots of non-critical empty space can absorb lots of bullets
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in lower fuselage, 1 in each wingroot)

Cons:

  • No armour
  • Gunners can easily be taken out, especially the tail gunner (no armour, and no bulletproof glass either)
  • Lacks a belly turret (due to being a boat) and therefore vulnerable to attacks directly from below
  • Very slow aircraft with a poor climb rate
  • Very bright peace-time paint scheme.


History

During the 1930s the United States had a vibrant seaplane making industry making ever larger flying boat category of seaplanes. Sikorsky, Boeing, Grumman, Consolidated (of PBY fame), and Martin all vied for the lucrative opportunities of an aircraft that could land almost anywhere on earth with little investment in facilities. Advances in technology lead the US Navy created a few new "system designation" in 1935, with "PB" for "Patrol Bomber" being one of them. Glenn L. Martin company leveraged its considerable flying boat and bomber aircraft experience to design a new aircraft for the requirements of long range with considerable offensive ability and bomb load. In many ways similar to the PBY, it was superior in having internal bomb bay, providing a performance advantage when fully loaded (commonly posted stats often do not list fully loaded performance). It was also larger, more complex, and 50% heavier.

After testing with a 3/8 scale flying model (Martin 162A Tadpole Clipper), the XPBM-1 prototype first flew in 18 February 1939 proving a solid design, except for stability issue with the horizontal stabilizer and twin tails. To solve this the production PBM-1's horizontal stabilizer was given a dihedral to match the wing but maintained the 90 degree angle to the vertical stabilizer, resulting in an inward cant of the vertical/rudder tail (unlike nearly any other aircraft, like the Be-6). Like the PBY the wing floats retracted, but not to the tips but instead into the wing (like the BV 238). Defensive armament was 5 turrets, nose, dorsal, tail, and both waists in unique round windows, each a single .50 cal machine gun, considered very powerful in 1939. The doors under the nacelle and inner wing look like they are for landing gear, but are instead for the internal bomb bay! Able to carry a sizable bombload without the performance drag penalty of external mounts, the PBM-1 had a notable performance advantage over the PBY. Not immediately visible is the triangular shaped doors under the nose, which opened for the bomb sight station. There was also an adapter to carry two torpedoes just below the nacelle (similar to the Martin produced B-26).

Although a sound design, only twenty one of the "-1" was built before the improved "-3" was put into production. Those 21 where heavily used in patrolling coastal North America, at first doing "neutrality patrols" hunting for enemy submarines and raiders in territorial waters and shadow allied convoys. PBM was also the first US Navy aircraft to be equipped with British made AVS surface search radar to improve its mission. Demand for this aircraft was destined to increase.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Glenn L. Martin Company
Attackers  AM-1
Bombers  B-10B · B-26B · PBM-1 · PBM-3 · PBM-5A
Jet bombers  B-57A* · B-57B*
Export  Martin 139WC · Martin 167-A3 · B-26C
  * These aircraft were license-built from The English Electric Company Limited who developed and built the British English Electric Canberra.

USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner"