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Martin P4M Mercator
Martin · Maritime Patrol / ASW · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)
The Martin P4M Mercator was a maritime reconnaissance aircraft built by the Glenn L. Martin Company. The Mercator was an unsuccessful contender for a United States Navy requirement for a long-range maritime patrol bomber, with the Lockheed P2V Neptune chosen instead. It saw a limited life as a long-range electronic reconnaissance aircraft. Its most unusual feature was that it was powered by a combination of piston engines and turbojets, the latter being in the rear of the engine nacelles.
Specifications
- Category
- Fixed Wing
- Sub-Category
- Maritime Patrol
- Domain
- Dual-Use
- Era
- Early Jet (1946–1969)
- Country
- USA
- Manufacturer
- Martin
- Operator
- USN (VQ squadrons)
- Primary Role
- Maritime Patrol / ASW
- Status
- Retired
- Service Entry
- 1950
- Produced
- 21
- Propulsion
- Turbojet
- Engine
- 2x Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major + 2x Allison J33 jets
- Thrust / Power
- 7,200 hp + 14,000 lbf
- Launch
- Ground
- Length (ft)
- 85.8
- Wingspan (ft)
- 114
- Empty Weight (lb)
- 48600
- MTOW (lb)
- 89200
- Endurance (hr)
- 15
- Service Ceiling (ft)
- 25000
- Range (mi)
- 2900
- Max Speed (mph)
- 410
- Armament
- 4x 20mm; 2x .50 cal; 12,000 lb stores