Copyright Disclaimer: - Under section 107 of the copyright Act 1976, allowance is mad for FAIR USE for purpose such a as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statues that might otherwise be infringing. Non- Profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of FAIR USE. The PBM Mariner, a successful patrol aircraft during World War II, was an 80-foot-long monster that delivered remarkable performance. Despite being manufactured in fewer quantities, the Mariner outperformed its elder sibling, the PBY Catalina, in many ways. The company's origins may be traced back to 1937, when Martin and Consolidated fought for aircraft contracts.
Martin attempted to create flying boat designs and navy standards, but by 1934, consolidated had won the favor. Martin had to go elsewhere for orders, temporarily entering the civilian aircraft market with the Martin M 130. However, Pan American Airways ultimately rejected it in favor of the stronger Boeing 314. Martin's failure to acquire contracts was due to bad luck rather than any shortcomings in the company's capabilities, as competition was fierce during the golden era of aviation.
Martin's proficiency in the design was validated by the model's maiden test flight in December 1937. Construction continued on the first full-size aircraft, which was finished in 1939 with 15 tonnes of steel. The initial prototype, known as the XPBM1, was more advanced in terms of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics than the Catalina, and it established the standard for American flying boat designs. Advances in these sectors enabled the design to tolerate reduced drag and improved handling, both of which were critical to the aircraft's performance.
The XPBM prototype was powered by twin Wright R2600 cyclone radial engines providing 1600 horsepower each. The aircraft was launched on February 18th, 1939, and after testing, it had the required general flying characteristics. On the other hand,it had troubles with strong tail flutter, making control difficult for crew. The tail attachment point was altered to match the inner Gullwing, giving the aircraft its trademark look. Both Bombay were likewise housed in the engine cells, enabling for reduced drag, greater speed, range, and perhaps increased carrying capacity. Before the maiden flight, the US Navy placed an order for 20 of these aircraft, and the first production Mariner, dubbed PBM1, was scheduled to equip US Navy units in September 1940.
Scott Fitzgerald was ferrying one PBM mariner over Arizona in the spring of 1944 when the engine failed, deeming it hazardous to continue and with no water nearby. Fitzgerald landed the plane on Wilcox Dry Lake, and it was fully unharmed save for some scratching on the underside of the hole.
The Mariner was then stripped of non-essential equipment to decrease the cargo, outfitted with specialized beaching gear, turned into the wind, and flew to San Diego without incident. This specific PBM became known as the Wilcox Dry Lake mirage. The mariner would continue to prove their importance later in the Pacific War.

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