The Martin Marlin traces its origins back to the PBM-3 Mariner by the same company. Late in World War Two, the underpowered PBM-3 was upgraded with better engines to become the PBM-5, but it was clear that a better design was needed for the post-war era. The Mariner's successor first flew as the XP5M-1 prototype in May 1948 and went into full production as the P5M-1 in 1953. Delivery of the T-tail P5M-2 started in April 1954. The -2 also had a reconfigured bow and more powerful engines. Production of the P5M-2 (later designated SP-5B) ended in late 1960 with 103 going to the Navy, 4 to the USCG and 10 to the French Navy. The Marlin excelled in the all-weather ASW role and stayed in service until 6 November, 1967.
*** For FSX STEAM EDITION only ***
Features :
- ONE model and ONE livery (5542, VP-48, USN, c.1957)
- accurate virtual cockpit with authentic gauges, controls and custom animations.
- animated hydro flaps, crew doors/hatches, nacelle doors and crew figures.
- togglable beaching gear.
- water spray effect on take-off.
- custom engine start-up smoke effect.
- togglable realistic crew figures with period flight gear.
- animated, featherable propeller blades.
- illustrated user manual in PDF format.
- period radial engine soundset.
- PhotoShop paintkit files provided.
- Note - NO 2D panel is provided.
*** Martin SP-5B Marlin DLC (optional extra purchase) ***
The DLC offers FIVE new liveries :
- 135516, VP-40, USN, c.1956
- 5502, VP-40, USN, c.1962
- 7931, VP-3, USN, c.1962
- 1318, USCG, c.1960
- '5', 27.F, Aéronavale, c.1959
