Martin AM Mauler

Martin AM Mauler
Country	USA
Role	Attack aircraft
First flight	26 August 1944
Built	151

The Martin AM Mauler (originally XBTM) is a single-seat carrier-based attack aircraft built for the United States Navy. Designed during World War II, the Mauler encountered development delays and did not enter service until 1948 in small numbers. The aircraft proved troublesome and remained in frontline service only until 1950, when the Navy switched to the smaller and simpler Douglas AD Skyraider. Maulers remained in reserve squadrons until 1953. A few were built as AM-1Q electronic-warfare aircraft with an additional crewman in the fuselage.

Source: Martin AM Mauler on Wikipedia

Martin Mauler AM-1 Walk Around
Photographer	Ronald van Voorst
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	29

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A Record-Breaking Beast

The Martin AM-1 Mauler was a single-seat carrier-based attack aircraft designed for the U.S. Navy toward the end of World War II. It was built around the massive Pratt & Whitney R-4360 “Wasp Major” engine, the largest and most powerful piston engine ever to enter aircraft service. The Mauler is most famous for its incredible lifting capacity; in 1949, it set an unofficial record by taking off with a payload of 10,689 lbs—a staggering amount of ordnance for a single-engine aircraft that remains a point of legend in naval aviation history.

Attribute	Standard Specification (AM-1 Mauler)
Role	Carrier-based Attack Aircraft
Crew	1 (Pilot) / AM-1Q variant: 2 (Pilot and ECM Operator)
Powerplant	1 x Pratt & Whitney R-4360-4 Wasp Major (3,000 hp)
Maximum Speed	591 km/h (367 mph)
Wingspan	15.24 meters (50 ft 0 in)
Max Takeoff Weight	11,674 kg (25,737 lb)
Armament	4 x 20mm T-31 Autocannons (800 rounds total)
External Load	Up to 15 hardpoints for bombs, rockets, or torpedoes

Performance and Payload

Engine Torque: The Wasp Major was so powerful that the engine had to be offset by two degrees to the right to help counteract the massive torque during takeoff and flight.
Versatile Hardpoints: The Mauler featured a centerline hardpoint and two heavy inner wing pylons, each capable of carrying a 2,000 lb bomb or a Mark 13 torpedo. Twelve smaller outer hardpoints carried rockets or 250 lb bombs.
Air Brakes: To manage its weight and speed during dive-bombing, the Mauler was equipped with unique interlocking “finger” air brakes on the trailing edges of the wings.
Heavyweight Champion: While its design payload was 4,500 lbs, it routinely flew with double that amount during record-setting demonstration flights.

“Able Mable” vs. “Awful Monster”

Nicknames: While its lifting ability earned it the affectionate name “Able Mable,” its difficult handling and maintenance-heavy nature led frustrated crews to call it the “Awful Monster.”
Carrier Challenges: The Mauler was notoriously difficult to land on a carrier deck. It was heavy, sluggish at low speeds, and its long nose made visibility during the final approach extremely poor.
The Skyraider Rivalry: The Mauler’s career was ultimately cut short by its rival, the Douglas AD Skyraider. Although the Mauler could carry more weight, the Skyraider was more reliable, easier to fly, and better suited for carrier operations.
Short Service Life: Production ended in 1949 after only 151 aircraft were built. By 1950, most were transferred to reserve units, and they were retired entirely by 1953.