Martin P4M Mercator
| P4M Mercator | |
|---|---|
| United States Navy P4M-1 | |
| 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.