Martin PBM Mariner — The Flying Boat Patrol Bomber

By Richard Johnson
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Martin PBM Mariner — The Flying Boat Patrol Bomber

July 27th, 2024

16 minute read

Nervously, Herbert “Johnny” Johnson scanned the night sky from a cramped position in his Martin PBM Mariner. The flight over the Sea of Japan was relatively short, but they were flying alone through a war zone, and the enemy had proven to be tougher and better equipped than many of them anticipated. 

In this image, a Martin PBM-3 Mariner lands on the water. The black and white photo was taken in 1943 for the U.S. Navy.
A Martin PBM-3 Mariner lands on the water in early 1943. Note this plane has the three-blade propeller that was less efficient than the four blades used later. Image: Glenn L. Martin Company/U.S. Navy

Johnny Johnson was the plane’s flight engineer, the same role he’d had only five years previous when on anti-submarine patrols in World War II. Then he was watching for Japanese fighters. This time, Johnson was looking for North Korean Yak-9U and Ilyushin Il-10 fighters instead of Zeros and Oscars. 

PBM squadron flight from East Coast NAS in 1943
A PBM-1 and PBM-3s in flight along the East Coast in October 1943. These early planes were not fitted with the distinctive radrome behind the cockpit that housed the AN/APS-15 radar. Image: U.S. Navy

Of course, there wasn’t much he could do even if he did spot an enemy aircraft. All eight of the M2 .50-cal machine guns, and some of the sailors who normally manned them, had been pulled out of the plane to allow more supplies to be packed in. 

PBM-5 in flight
This Martin PBM-5 is in flight over the Pacific Ocean. It was part of Patrol Squadron 47 (VP-47) based at NAS San Diego (later NAS North Island). Image: U.S. Navy

American and South Korean troops had been pushed back to an area they were calling the “Puson Perimeter” and were holding on for dear life. They needed every ration, bullet and bandage packed into the plane. Consequently, the plane’s guns were deemed superfluous and removed in favor of some bit of kit a soldier or Marine needed on the front line. 

PBM-1 NAS Banana River
Martin PBM patrol bombers in a hangar at NAS Banana River, Florida. The plane at left is a PBM-1 with retractable wing floats. Behind is a fixed-float PBM-3 Model. Image: Lt. Cmdr. Charles Kerlee/U.S. Navy

The only defensive firepower on the entire plane was the pilot’s M1911A1 riding in a leather shoulder holster. None of them had any illusions where that left them. If they were jumped by a North Korean pilot, they would be lucky to survive. At least the large PBM was a “flying boat” that could safely put down on the water — assuming they lasted that long. 

Martin PBM-3R transport
A Martin PBM-3R takes off from the water, circa 1943. The PBM-3R was an unarmed transport variant of the Mariner. Image: U.S. Navy

Johnson checked his watch. “We should be getting pretty close to Puson,” he thought. He settled back into his position and kept an eye on all the gauges. 

beaching crew with PBM Mariner
A beaching crew prepares a PBM for removal from the water. This early PBM variant has a single M2 machine gun in the nose turret and lacks the large radrome typical of later models. Image: U.S. Navy

Shortly, the plane began to make a turn as the pilot lined up for a landing. A slight amount of comfort crept in as Johnson thought they had made another successful run. But now, the hard work started. As the flight engineer, he had to get the plane readied for a return flight to Japan so they could do it all over again. Listening for commands from the pilot, Johnson got to work. 

The Martin PBM Mariner

The Martin PBM Mariner was a twin-engine flying boat developed in the late 1930s. Originally designed by the Martin company to compete against the Consolidated PBY Catalina for a Navy contract, the planes ultimately were ordered as a replacement for the PBY.

PBM diagram
This diagram shows various crew positions and other areas of the PBM-5 model of Mariner. Image: U.S. Navy

Employed by the U.S. Navy as a patrol bomber in World War II and the Korean War, these planes were taller, longer and had a broader wingspan than the B-17 Flying Fortress. It’s hard to appreciate how much bigger the PBM was until you saw one side-by-side with a B-17.

Martin PBM next to B-17 Flying Fortress size difference
Scene at a Coast Guard Air Station shows left to right a Coast Guard PBM, and four B-17’s. Note flying boats attached to under-part of fuselage of B-17’s, used in air-sea rescue work. Image: NARA

Like the B-17 heavy bomber, the PBM was festooned with .50-caliber machine guns and could carry a formidable payload over long distances. In fact, with a similar payload, the PBM had longer legs than the Fortress. And if needed, the PBM could fly for hours on a single engine.

Unlike the B-17, the Martin PBM was designed to take off and land on the water. 

What Is a Flying Boat?

In simple terms, a flying boat is a seaplane designed with a hull as the fuselage to give it the ability to take off and land on water. It differs from float planes in that float planes gain buoyancy from pontoons, or floats, under the fuselage and wings.

Martin PBM-1 Mariner patrol bomber assigned to VP-55
This Martin PBM-1 Mariner patrol bomber was assigned to Patrol Squadron VP-55 in 1940. It is one of the first PBMs to be built and enter service. Image: U.S. Navy

During the Golden Age of Flight, things were different than they are today. Innovation and experimentation were much more common. Designers often came up with imaginative solutions to the technical limitations of the era. The flying boat design was one approach that proved popular. Nevertheless, the design fell out of favor by the 1960s.

beaching a Martin PBM at NAS Norfolk
Sailors beach a Martin PBM at NAS Norfolk. Once the temporary beaching gear was attached, the ground crew could tractor the PBM out of the water. Image: NARA

It might surprise younger readers, but the flying boat used to be a significant part of aviation. Many countries employed them in their militaries while commercial airlines like Pan American Airways — later known as Pan Am — employed them for passenger routes. In fact, if you’ve ever seen Raiders of the Lost Ark then you’ve seen Indiana Jones taking transcontinental flights on them.

USS Onslow AVP-48 refuels PBM seaplane
The USS Onslow (AVP-48), a Barnegat-class seaplane tender, refuels a PBM patrol bomber at sea in December 1944. Image: U.S. Navy

Because hull integrity is a real thing, the vast majority of Mariners did not have traditional landing gear. That meant that PBM aircraft could only take off and land in the water. Aircraft could be refueled and supplied on the water.

flight engineer station on Martin PBM patrol bomber
Shown here is the flight engineer’s station on a Martin PBM-3C. The -3C was an upgraded Mariner with more powerful engines and additional .50-caliber machine guns. Image: U.S. Navy

For servicing, they could be lifted by a seaplane tender out of the ocean. Likewise, they could be fitted with temporary beaching gear so the aircraft could be pulled onto land. 

Martin PBM-5 refuels from bowser boat in Tanapag Harbor Saipan
A Martin PBM-5 Mariner patrol bomber of Fleet Air Wing One refuels from a fuel bowser boat in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, May 1945. Image: U.S. Navy

Believe it or not, flying boats are still used today. In fact, there are several flying boats still in production including the Dornier Seastar and the new AVIC AG600. 

“Real” Bomber

While the U.S. Army Air Force is often associated with the “real” bombers of World War II, the Martin PBM was a legitimate bomber. The first PBMs to enter service could carry 4,000 pounds of bombs. Later PBM models with more powerful engines and fewer defensive machine guns maxed out at more than 12,000 pounds of ordnance. 

Martin PBM-3S open bomb bay doors engine nacells
A specialized submarine hunter, this Martin PBM-3S is seen here with open bomb bay doors at the engine nacelles. Image: U.S. Navy

PBM Mariners could deliver a variety of ordnance including 500-lb., 1000-lb. and 1,600-lb. bombs, depth charges, mines and torpedoes. Bombs were loaded in enclosed compartments in both wings below the engine nacelles. This allowed the plane to remain streamlined while ensuring the integrity of the watertight hull.

Additionally, torpedoes could be attached to the exterior of the PBM wings.

flight deck of a PBM-3 patrol bomber
Navigator, radioman and pilots at work prior to take-off at NAS Norfolk during 1942. The pilots and navigator were all officers, while the remaining crew were enlisted sailors. Image: U.S. Navy

As with many capable military planes, there were a variety of models made. Three main models were made — the PBM-1, PBM-3 and PBM-5 — with several subvariants built for specific missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and transport. 

sailors wash PBM-3 after a mission
These sailors wash their PBM-3 after a patrol mission in 1942. The bomb bay doors (closed) can be seen on the underside of the wing. Image: NARA

Bristling with Guns — Armament

PBM patrol bombers were most often equipped with Browning M2 .50-caliber machine guns. They were intended for two purposes — defense against enemy fighters and attacking surfaced submarines. 

starboard waist gunnner Browning M2 50-caliber machine gun
Martin PBM Mariner patrol bomber starboard waist gunner demonstrates his M2 Browning heavy machine gun chambered in .50 BMG. Note the position’s retractable wind shield. Image: U.S. Navy

While depth charges were more frequently used against German U-boats and other Axis submarines, PBMs have numerous documented uses of the M2 machine guns against enemy subs. Over in the Pacific Theater, PBMs downed multiple Japanese fighters that mistook the PBM for an easy target.

PBM machine gun turrets assembled in the factory
Machine gun turrets for the PBM being assembled and tested in 1943 at the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Factory in Baltimore. Image: Lt. Charles F. Jacobs/U.S. Navy

In many configurations, the PBM had eight M2 machine guns. A pair were in a nose turret, a pair were in the dorsal turret and another pair were in the tail turret. Amidships, single M2 machine guns were found on both sides of the fuselage — not unlike the waist gunner positions of a B-17. 

tail and dorsal machine gun positions on Martin PBM
The twin .50-caliber machine gun turrets are visible in this April 1945 photo of a Martin PBM-5 anchored in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan. Image: U.S. Navy

A single .30-caliber machine gun could also be found in the bottom of the fuselage between the main cabin and the tail gunner position. While not as powerful as the .50s, it could still be a nasty surprise for any fighter jock who tried to attack the plane’s belly.

aft view of PBM interior
Interior view, looking aft, of a PBM-3. The shooting position in the deck is for a .30-caliber machine gun. The Browning M2 is visible in the tail. A watertight door is in the foreground. Image: U.S. Navy

Some variants, notably early models and ASW-specific models, of Martin PBMs had fewer machine guns to improve patrol range. Transport models typically had no machine guns. The planes were quite versatile and readily accepted multiple configurations.

PBM patrol bomber maintenance in Saipan
PBM patrol bombers undergo maintenance at Tanapag Air Facility, Saipan in April 1945. Twin .50-caliber machine guns can be seen in the nose turret. Image: U.S. Navy

Anti-Submarine Patrols

Martin PBM aircraft were used in a wide range of activities. It is probably best known for its sub hunting capabilities in World War II. PBM patrol bombers could be equipped with depth charges and Mark 13 torpedoes. It is believed, however, that all PBM attacks on submarines were made with depth charges and none with torpedoes. Torpedoes were used against surface ships.

Martin PBM drops depth charges on German U-128 in the south Atlantic Ocean
Two Martin PBM Mariners attack U-128, a German IXC U-boat, in May 1943. The visible PBM dropped depth charge bombs on the submarine while the second PBM made machine gun runs. Image: U.S. Navy

Many PBM aircraft used for anti-submarine warfare were equipped with radar and AN/ASQ-1 Magnetic Airborne Detection Equipment — or MAD gear as it was more commonly known. PBM aircraft with MAD gear could be recognized by the addition of two streamlined housings that were attached to the top of the wingtips.

Neutrality Patrol in the Atlantic

Starting in 1939, war raged in Europe. German U-boats prowled the Atlantic Ocean seeking to stop men and supplies from reaching Europe. At the same time, Allied naval forces blockaded Germany. Called the Battle of the Atlantic, it was the longest continuous campaign of the Second World War. 

depth charge from PBM explodes next to a German U-Boat
A depth charge dropped from an America PBM explodes next to a German U-boat. Two PBM Mariners and two destroyers worked together to sink U-128 off the coast of Brazil. Image: U.S. Navy

Ostensibly, the United States was neutral at the outset of hostilities. Within days of panzers rolling into Poland, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the United States a neutral power. Shortly thereafter, the U.S. Navy began the Neutrality Patrol using both ships and planes to defend American interests.

German U-boat U-161 just prior to being sunk by a Martin PBM
German U-boat U-161 shortly before being sunk by a Martin PBM using depth charges in the Atlantic Ocean. Image: U.S. Navy

When Martin PBMs began entering service in September 1940, they were almost immediately deployed to support the Neutrality Patrol. In July of 1941, British ASV radar units were added to a pair of PBM patrol bombers. Not only did this enhance the capabilities of the aircraft, but it also marked the first instance of a U.S. Navy plane being equipped with radar.

Battle of the Caribbean

As part of the Battle of the Atlantic, both Italian and German submarines deployed to the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico to attack Allied shipping. PBM crews saw extensive service in this region. In the summer of 1943 alone, Martin PBMs sank five German U-boats in the Caribbean and surrounding waters. 

AA damage to a PBM Mariner from a German U-boat
Anti-aircraft gunfire damage to the starboard wing of a Martin PBM patrol bomber received during an attack on an enemy submarine in the Caribbean Sea. Image: U.S. Navy

However, Germany had upgraded its anti-aircraft capabilities on U-boats, and they were a much more dangerous prey. A quad-20mm autocannon was installed on some U-boats. Called the Flakvierling 38, these AA guns were lethal against low-flying aircraft. Three PBMs were shot down and several more were significantly damaged. 

pilots and navigator of a Martin PBM over the Caribbean Sea
Crew members at work during a Martin PBM flight over the Caribbean Sea in 1943. Image: U.S. Navy

During the war, PBM crews were credited with sinking 10 German U-boats, which amounted to slightly more than a third of all U-boats sunk by U.S. patrol aircraft.

Pacific Theater Deployments

While the PBM Mariners were used to hunt Japanese submarines, they were frequently used for attacking Japanese convoys, bombing land targets and rescuing flight crews. 

PBM awaits resupply during the Battle of Iwo Jima
A PBM patrol bomber crew awaits resupply on D+1 during the Battle of Iwo Jima. PBMs performed bombing missions and protected the assembled fleet from Japanese submarines. Image: U.S. Navy

Most frequently, PBMs operated solo. That means the crews had to be self-sufficient and work well together. One crewman stated that the men who served on his PBM respected rank and protocol on the ground but were a tight-knit family in the air. Sailors cross-trained to other positions on the plane to increase resiliency in combat.

Attacks on ships and subs while on patrol were often conducted alone. Likewise, defense against Japanese fighters did not have the benefit of a massed herd of planes, a strategy effectively employed by the U.S. Army Air Force over Europe. 

For attacks on land targets and harbors, several PBMs would act as a team. This typically meant that two, three or four Mariners would act in concert. Mass bombing raids were uncommon.

For bombing missions, the U.S. Navy developed a modified version of the Norden bombsight. Ordnancemen trained with the Norden prior to deployment to the fleet in a PBM. The reality seemed to be that the bombsight was rarely used as the PBMs were frequently used for very low-level bombing operations that made the Norden superfluous.

PBM scuttles two Japanese I-boat submarines
A PBM scuttles two Japanese I-boat submarines in 1946 as part of the terms of surrender ending World War II.

Attacks were frequently made at less than 500 feet — often half or less than that. By comparison, the smaller B-17 Flying Fortress typically made bombing runs above 20,000 feet.

Dumbo Missions in the Pacific

The United States Navy used the PBM frequently for Dumbo missions. Dumbo missions, named after the Walt Disney cartoon character, were search and rescue missions to pick up downed aviators who had to ditch their planes. 

post-war Martin PBM scrambles for a rescue mission
A Martin PBM Mariner’s crew scrambles in response to a SAR call in the late 1940s. Image: U.S. Coast Guard

Frequently, PBMs would coordinate these Dumbo missions with air raids and other military operations. However, the Dumbo monicker would eventually become synonymous with any search and rescue mission. 

three PBM Mariners flying in formation over Florida
A pair of Martin PBM-3 patrol bombers fly in formation with a PMB-1 near Florida in March 1943. Image: Lt. Victor Jorgensen/U.S. Navy

The PBM was an excellent Dumbo aircraft due to its long legs and ability to land in the ocean. If the seas were suitable, a PBM could set down and pull flight crews right out of the water. If the water was too rough, the PBM could drop rafts and other supplies and loiter overhead to coordinate a rescue with Allied ships.

PBM is washed down after being beached
A Martin PBM is hosed down after it was beached at Naval Air Station Banana River in Florida. NAS Banana River would later become Patrick Space Force Base. Image: NARA

Dumbo missions could be long and dull, but they were incredibly successful overall. In a 1945 Time magazine article, the author cited a government report that documented more than 2,000 pilots and air crewmen who were rescued between June 1944 and June 1945. 

Korean War

In addition to ferrying men and material early in the conflict, the U.S. Navy used the PBMs to conduct long-range patrols of the waters around the Korean Peninsula. Further, PBM crews were tasked with eliminating enemy mines in harbors and other areas. 

PBM Mariner detonates mine Korean War 1950
During the Korean War, a U.S. Navy Martin PBM-5 Mariner detonates a moored enemy mine near Chinnampo, Korea, on December 5, 1950. Image: NARA

On at least one occasion, a PBM carried an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) to Inchon for reconnaissance ahead of Operation Chromite. 

Martin PBM crew uses machine guns to detonate Soviet sea mine
Martin PBM Mariner patrol bomber explodes North Korean sea mines supplied by the Soviet Union with machine gun fire in the Fall of 1950. Image: U.S. Navy

Bomber with a Kitchen

Martin PBM aircraft were large enough to have a bathroom, bunkroom and a galley aboard. The bunkroom had four bunks to allow passengers and crew to get some downtime on long trips. 

PBM-3 crew eating in the galley
Crewman of a PBM-3 eat in the plane’s galley compartment during a flight from Naval Air Station Norfolk in September 1942. Image: U.S. Navy

The galley wasn’t a gourmet kitchen, but it was a functioning area that allowed crewmen to cook up a decent meal. Likewise, the head was fully functional, albeit modified for a plane. 

crew berthing on PBM Mariner
The Martin PBM Mariner had a crew berthing area which allowed men to get sleep on long flights or when tied up to a tender between missions. Image: U.S. Navy

For crews on a long patrol or ferry, these amenities were priceless. Likewise, they made the plane suitable for transport of flag officers and other dignitaries. 

PBM navigator position
The navigator of Martin PBM Mariner flying boat uses a navigation computer to obtain corrected air speed. This PBM is in the service of the Royal Australian Air Force. Image: AWM

Jet-Powered Flying Boat

While the twin-engine PBM had excellent flight characteristics, it also had the issues inherent with water take-offs. Simply speaking, getting big planes into the air from the water takes time and space. Choppy water makes takeoff even more difficult.

Coast Guard PBM with JATO jet assisted take off
A Coast Guard PBM-5 plane makes a jet assisted take-off. Jets made it possible for shorter take-offs and carrying heavier loads than normally permitted. Image: NARA

Martin experimented with different ideas, including a catapult barge that would launch the planes in a manner similar to an aircraft carrier. In the end, however, a simpler solution was utilized: jets.

JATO packs on US Coast Guard Martin PBM
The JATO packs are better seen in this photo if a U.S. Coast Guard Martin PBM. The JATO packs were only available on certain modified PBM airplanes. Image: NARA

Jet-assisted take-off (JATO) canisters were fitted to some PBM planes. These canisters were used to shorten the take-off distance substantially — especially on rough waters.

Martin PBM JATO in the Pacific Theater during World War II
A PBM Mariner uses JATO packs in the Pacific Theater during 1944. It is not known how many PBM patrol bombers operationally deployed with JATO canisters. Image: NARA

PBM Use by Allied Countries

In addition to the United States Navy and Coast Guard, Martin PBM variants were used by the Argentine Navy, Dutch Navy, Panamanian Defense Forces, Royal Australian Air Force and Uruguayan Navy.

Royal Australian Air Force PBM Mariner in World War II
A Royal Australian Air Force PBM (serial# A70-3) prepares for take-off. Australia used the PBM solely for transport and they were not armed with defensive weaponry. Image: John T. Harrison/Public Domain

The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force received 54 PBM patrol bombers. After testing, however, the Brits believed the planes were too taxing on their pilots to fly. They wound up returning all of the PBMs without flying any of them in combat.

PBM in Royal Netherlands Navy
A Martin PBM-5A Mariner patrol bomber of the Naval Aviation Service of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Image: Nationaal Archief

Final Thoughts on the PBM

Like many men of his era, my father volunteered for the Navy during World War II. After getting his mother’s permission due to his young age, he enlisted in 1943 not knowing that it was the first step in a nearly 21-year career.

crew of PBM Mariner number 41
In 1945, the crew of PBM Mariner #41 poses for a photo. This plane was assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Air Wing Twelve Headquarters Squadron. Image: Nancy Heilhecker/U.S. Navy

Growing up, he talked about some of his experiences — mostly interesting stories from all the times between the wars. He almost never talked about World War II or Korea. It wasn’t until the last years of his life that he shared any of those stories with me or my brother. Frequently, his time with PBM Mariner and PBY Catalina flying boats would be part of his recollections — the good ones and the bad. 

Martin PBM-5A takes off in Middle River Maryland
A PBM-5A takes off from the Martin Company airport in Middle River, Maryland, circa 1948. The -5A was the only model built with retractable landing gear. Image: U.S. Navy

Martin PBM Mariners saw combat in World War II and the Korean War. They’ve engaged in combat against the communists of both China and the Soviet Union outside of declared hostilities. Yet, try to find a single PBM in a movie. 

PBM-5 takes off from NAS Bermuda
A PBM-5 Mariner patrol bomber takes off from Naval Air Station Bermuda in March 1951. Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse is visible in the upper right. Image: U.S. Navy

The more I learn about the planes, the men, the squadrons and their missions, the more I realize their story needs to be told. 

There is one surviving PBM flying boat in the world. Held by the National Air and Space Museum, the surviving PBM-5A (U.S. Navy serial number 1220714) is on display at the Pima Aerospace Museum. Interestingly, it is one of only 40 PBM aircraft that was built or retrofitted with retractable landing gear. Located in Tucson, Arizona, the museum is open every day of the week. If you have the chance, I recommend visiting and checking out its massive collection. 

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Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson

Having made many odd choices in his youth, Richard was left with two career choices: aerospace engineer or cop. After failing his second year of chemistry, Richard pursued a law enforcement career where understanding covalent bonds was not a requirement for success. Along the way, Richard discovered a passion for writing. Consequently, he hung up his uniform and now publishes GunsHolstersAndGear.com where he reviews firearms and other shooting gear to feed his frequently annoyed family.

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