#p6m

[pressxtolive]

#Inktober 19!

A Martin P7M amphibious jet patrol bomber with a Grumman F13F amphibious jet fighter escort.

Real world analogs: Martin P6M SeaMaster and Convair F2Y Sea Dart. For a while, planners didn't think we'd be able to base supersonic jets off of carriers, due to the long takeoff runs, among other reasons. Also, more survivable in a nuclear war, can't blow up the ocean, right? But we just made bigger carriers, and unsurprisingly, adding a boat hull and other water equipment didn't make for great performance, plus having to deal with issues like salt water corrosion.

[pastplanes]

What a sea plane! A supersonic jet aircraft was required by the Navy, with the capability to land and take off on water and reach supersonic speeds. The first incarnations had afterburner troubles, notably burning the side of the aircraft, but the later pedigree was an impressive aircraft. But budget cuts and emerging technology canceled this project.

XP6M Martin Seamaster

[flight-time]

P6M

[planeshots]

Formation parked Sunday. Seamasters