P4M Mercator | |
---|---|
General information | |
Type | Patrol bomber |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | Martin |
Status | Retired |
Primary user | United States Navy |
Number built | 21 |
History | |
Introduction date | 1950 |
First flight | 20 October 1946 |
Retired | 1960 |
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.