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The Navy AM-1 Mauler pictured here with PDK's NAS Atlanta insignia
is preserved at the National Museum of Naval Aviation History in Pensacola, FL. In
April, 1949, Martin Corporation test pilot O.E. "Pat" Tibbs flew this
Mauler to set an unofficial weight lifting record of 10,648 pounds. This included
three 2,200-pound torpedoes, twelve 250-pound bombs, and 800 rounds of ammunition
for the four wing-mounted 20mm cannons.
Specifications:
- Navy carrier-based attack bomber; single-engine low-wing monoplane
of all metal construction.
- Engine: Pratt & Whitney 28-cylinder R-4360 Wasp Major air-cooled
radial; nicknamed the "corncob" for its four staggered rows of seven
cylinders.
- Weights: 15,257 lbs empty
24,145 lbs loaded
- Performance: Climb / 3,130 ft minute
- Ceiling / 24,630 ft
- Range / 1,324 miles
Squadrons at NAS Atlanta flying the AM-1 were VA-671, VA-672, VA-673,
and VA-674. All four squadrons were in the Naval Reserve. The last active-duty Mauler
remained in service with VC-4 until October, 1950; Reserve units used them until 1953.
The above information was courteously provided by the
National
Museum of Naval Aviation History, Pensacola, FL.
For more information on PDK History, go to our history
page.
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