One of the least-known (and shortest lived) Navy attack aircraft was the AM-1 Mauler, produced by the Glenn L. Martin Company. The AM-1 was developed as a competitor to the highly successful Douglas AD Skyraider. The Mauler was heavier (20,000 lbs versus 15,600 lbs) and was inferior in performance.
The Mauler was ordered in early 1944 as the Navy sponsored the development of several prototypes to replace the TBM Avengers and SB2C Helldiver aboard carriers. A single aircraft was sought for the scouting, dive bombing, and torpedo roles.
The first of two Mauler prototypes flew on 26 August 1944 as the XBTM-1. A production order was placed in early 1945 for 750 aircraft. The following year the aircraft's designation was changed to AM-1.
Maulers began joining the fleet in March 1948. The production ended in October 1949, with the 143rd aircraft completed.
The only specialized variant of the AM-1 design was a radar countermeasures aircraft, with six Maulers being built in that configuration (AM-1Q).
- Country of Origin:
United States
- First Flight:
1944
- Initial Service Date:
1948
- No. Built:
151
- No. In Service:
0
- No. of Hardpoints:
12
- Crew:
1