Martin AM

Martin AM Mauler
Martin AM-1 "Mauler" of the US Naval Test Center
Type:	Fighter bomber
Design country:	United States
Manufacturer:	Glenn L. Martin Company
First flight:	August 26, 1944
Commissioning:	March 1948
Production time:	1947 to 1949
Number of pieces:	151

The Martin AM Mauler was a fighter-bomber produced by the US aircraft manufacturer Glenn L. Martin Company . The machine was developed during the Second World War , but due to development errors it was not used by the United States Navy until after the war . A total of 151 machines were built, but they were only used for a relatively short time. The Douglas AD Skyraider was preferred by the US Navy because it had much better flight characteristics. In 1950 the Mauler was withdrawn from the squadrons and in 1953 from the reserve units.

history

Two AM-1s during weapon testing

In the 1930s and early 1940s, the US Navy distinguished between two types of aircraft on aircraft carriers , the torpedo bomber and the dive bomber . In 1943 this separation was abandoned and the Navy was looking for a new multi-function bomber. In contrast to the earlier bombers, it should be a single-seater without a rear gunner and be able to reach the speed of a fighter. Martin then developed the new low- wing BTM Mauler (model 210).

The first flight of the first of the two XBTM-1 prototypes ordered took place on August 26, 1944. In early 1945, a series order for 750 BTM- 1s was placed. The machine was originally supposed to be used in the invasion of Japan , but the problems persisted until 1947, with the first production machine flying in December 1946. Problems with the rear tailwheel repeatedly caused damage to the trunk. It was not until 1948 that the machine could even be used for real operations. The first deliveries of the order, which was reduced to 99 machines, began in March 1948 to the VA-17A attack squadron at Naval Air Station Quonset Point. The machine now got its Navy designation AM-1 . In May 1949 another 50 machines were ordered, the last of which was completed in October 1949.

The plane could carry an enormous load of bombs. A Martin test pilot flew with three 1,000 kg torpedoes , twelve 227 kg bombs and fully ammunitioned. She carried a total of 4,830 kg, a record for single-engine aircraft. However, the bomb load on the aircraft carrier was reduced, which meant that it lost its original qualities. It was also difficult to land and the pilots named the machines Awful Monsters .

Although the Douglas AD Skyraider was smaller and could carry fewer bombs, it was preferred by Navy pilots. In 1950 it was decided to only fly the Mauler from land. Most of them were transferred to reserve units and were mainly used for training purposes. In 1953 they were finally retired.

Four machines have survived to this day and are stored in the National Museum of Naval Aviation on Naval Air Station Pensacola , Florida . One of them is currently on display, but there are still a number of incomplete machines. One aircraft remained airworthy until the 1980s and flew for the Commemorative Air Force .

construction

Mauler used the 28-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R-4360 radial engine, the most powerful engine ever used. The counter-torque caused by this engine was so strong that the aircraft tried to turn hard to the left and was difficult to control. Direct control was difficult and so hydraulic servo motors supported the pilot. The tail wheel landing gear was retractable and each had individually tires. The horizontal stabilizers and the wings were trapezoidal, the latter could be partially folded up for storage on aircraft carriers. Delicate air brakes were attached to the trailing edges of the wings .

Versions

US Naval Air Reserve AM-1Q

XBTM-1

Prototypes, two built.

AM-1

Production version, 149 built (originally BTM-1).

AM-1Q

Version for electronic countermeasures with electronics officer as second crew member. This was located behind the pilot without a viewing window. Twelve machines built and six conversions from AM-1.

production

Acceptance of the Martin Mauler by the US Navy:

Manufacturer	1946	1947	1948	1949	TOTAL
Martin	1	15th	84	50	150

Technical specifications

3-sided crack of the AM-1

Parameter	AM-1 data
length	12.55 m
span	15.24 m
Wing area	46.08 m²
height	5.13 m
drive	a radial engine Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major 3,000 hp (2,235 kW)
Top speed	591 km / h
Range	2,897 km
crew	a pilot
Service ceiling	9,295 m
Empty mass	6,557 kg
Flight mass	10,608 kg
Armament	four 20 mm M3 cannons with 200 rounds each, 1,800 kg bombs, a total of 2,041 kg weapon load on 15 pylons

See also

• List of aircraft types

Web links

Commons : Martin AM Mauler  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

1. ↑ FliegerRevue November 2011, pp. 52–55, AM-1 Mauler and P4M Mercator
2. ↑ Statistical Digest of the USAF 1946, p. 94 ff; 1947, p. 115; 1948II, p. 16; 1949, p. 164 ff.