Martin PBM Mariner

The Martin PBM Mariner flying boat with its distinctive gull wing was proposed to the Navy in 1937 as a replacement for the very successful Consolidated PBY. It was to be a true open-ocean flying boat, capable of extremely long range with enough offensive armaments to function as a sub hunter or patrol bomber and enough defensive armament to protect itself. It racked up an impressive wartime record as a sub killer in the Atlantic and as a ship killer in the Pacific. The 1,366 production PBMs were built as PBM-1s, PBM-3s, PBM-3R transports, PBM-3Cs, PBM-3Ds, PBM-3Ss, PBM-5s, PBM-5Rs, PBM-5Ss, PBM-5S2s, and PBM-5G and PBM-5A amphibians. In addition to development, testing, variants, and detailed aircraft systems, this book tells each squadron's history and covers usage by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Netherlands, Columbia, Argentina, Uruguay, RAF, RAAF, and civilians. The last PBM was retired from Navy service in 1956 and the last Coast Guard PBM-5G was retired in 1958.

“"Make it your guide to this fascinating flying boat. Roundly recommended!"”

--David L. Veres "Cybermodeler" (10/15/2013 12:00:00 AM)

Upon graduation from college, Steve Ginter was commissioned an officer in the U.S. Navy and became a pilot. After leaving the Navy he entered into corporate human resources at the management level. Steve Ginter founded Ginter Books, Naval Fighters Series in 1980 while working in district and regional management positions for Thrifty Drugs. In the 1990s the Air Force Legends Series was launched. Between the two series, over 112 books have been published thus far promoting the colorful history of military aircraft in America.

The distinctive, gull-winged Martin PBM Mariner flying boat was designed to replace the Consolidated PBY Catalina as the US Navy's first true open-ocean, extremely long range sub hunter and patrol bomber. PBM Mariners saw extensive service both in WWII and Korea.

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