LetLetLet ~ Warplanes

Let Let Let - Warplanes => Combat Warplanes => Topic started by: No.1 on March 15, 2009, 04:20:56 PM

Title: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: No.1 on March 15, 2009, 04:20:56 PM

Martin Mauler prototype with on its fuselage below the cockpit the no. of dives and spins it had made during testing and evaluation. Persons standing on the wing are Ozzie Zahnow (l) and R.D. Gilson (r). Pilot in the cockpit is Martin test pilot Ray Nessly. Photo is an official press release shot from Glenn L. Martin Company, Baltimore, Md, U.S.A.

Photo credit: KNVvL Afd. LVK

Thank you Nico  :-ok

(http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/pp327/recenzije/Arhiva/Martin-Mauler-showing-no.jpg)

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Letipapa on March 17, 2009, 12:40:02 AM

Don't know anything about this plane. :-red

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Nico Braas on March 17, 2009, 04:36:51 PM

Martin AM-1 Mauler was similar 'macho'-plane as the Douglas Skyraider. In fact it was ordered as a fail-safe just in case the Skyraider would be disappointing. This was not the case and as a consequence only a small batch of Maulers was manufactured!
Boeing had the AB-1, the attack-designation for its big XF8B-1 fighter but two types seemed more than enough at that time!

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: No.1 on March 17, 2009, 04:49:33 PM

Nico- did Boeing try to make conversion of XF8B?

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Nico Braas on March 17, 2009, 04:54:58 PM

No, Boeing's XF8B-1 was already cancelled at an early stage. As far as I know designation AB-1 was never used; not even officially proposed. On the other hand, the XF8B-1 had as a fighter an internal bom-bay, so there was no need to convert it into an attack version. It already was one!!

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Letipapa on March 18, 2009, 12:17:02 AM

Nico, thank You very much. :-flo Was this airplane in an operational use?  :-think
I know for Skyraider that it served long, and it was respected. :)

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Nico Braas on March 18, 2009, 04:39:07 PM

In total 151 Martin Maulers were built for the US Navy.
They served only for a few years, at VA-17A, but also at some other units. During 1950 all Maulers were assigned to Reserve units; Skyraiders were for 1st-line squadrons. Six were fitted with ECM equipment as AM-1Q.

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: mfg495 on March 18, 2009, 07:57:49 PM

What an interesting photo  :-clap :-ok

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Nico Braas on March 18, 2009, 08:50:56 PM

Yes, Mauler was an interesting ship!
Attached some more shots of prototype XBTM-1 and production AM-1.
Please, note that on XBTM-1 photo it is the background that is diving; NOT the plane!
As you see the Mauler really had teeth and claws!!

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: No.1 on March 18, 2009, 09:06:50 PM

Three torpedoes!!!   :-eek Never seen single seat and single engine plane to have that much load!

Title: Re: Martin Mauler prototype
Post by: Letipapa on March 19, 2009, 02:36:50 PM

 :-eek Great photo's :-ok It seems Mauler was a strong baby :))
 :-clap :-clap :-clap