Martin PBM-3/5 Mariner. Also includes BONUS kits of the Doug las XTB2D-1 Skypirate, Curtiss SB2C-3 Helldiver and Grumman F7F-1 Tigercat. In 1937, the U.S. Navy wanted a new patrol flying boat used as a replacement for the Consolidated PBY Catalina. Martin proposed the gull-winged Model-162 to the Navy. It was given the PBM-1 Mariner prototype order. The XPBM-1 prototype first flew in 1939. The PBM-2 was an experimental long-range version, which was strengthened to be launched by catapult. This version did not enter production. After incorporated several new features, mass production started with the PBM-3 series in 1941. In 1942, Mariners began numerous combat actions that sank a dozen German U-boats. In the Pacific, Mariners fought just about everywhere. In 1944 the finial version, PBM-5 entered service with bigger engines and an improved radar. The subsequent PBM-5 series was destined for service long after WW II. It took part in atomic weapons tests in the Pacific and fought in the Korean War. Production of the Mariner ceased in 1949. The last Mariner was retired from the U.S. Navy in 1958.
