Today we’re taking a look at the PBM-5A Mariner flying boat, which will be the main aircraft reward in the upcoming Battle Pass season!
PBM-5A Mariner: A Premium Hydroplane / Torpedo Bomber for the USA at Rank III
Features:
- Radar.
- Large payload!
- Torpedoes.
- Low speed.
- Large airframe.
Vehicle History
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The latest and most advanced variant of the Martin Mariner flying boat was the PBM-5A modification, adopted by the U.S. Navy in 1949. The main difference from its predecessors was its retractable tricycle landing gear. Due to this, the aircraft was reclassified from a flying boat into an amphibian aircraft. Compared to the previous variants, this modification received search radio equipment and bomb bays in the engine nacelles. This aircraft remained in service until 1956, and the only other operator of the PBM-5A was the Netherlands, which received 17 aircraft of this modification.
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Meet the PBM-5A Mariner!
This is (quite literally) a big reward for the new Battle Pass season. Meet the epic PBM-5A Mariner flying boat, the best aircraft in its series. Featuring a large payload, new engines, good defensive protection against aircraft and a search radar — let’s take a look more into it!
Veterans of air battles may remember the rare PBM-3 Mariner seaplane, which was the main reward of the Sea Voyage event well over 5 years ago. The PBM-5A variant is a further development of a very successful series of American flying boats. This new variant has an increased payload of up to 5,800 kg of bombs and torpedoes that can be taken into battle and can be combined independently. Choices available include regular 100, 500 and 1000 lb bombs, AN-MK1 armor-piercing bombs (up to 8), which perform well in naval battles against tougher opponents, as well as Mk.13 torpedoes.
Interesting: The only surviving example of the PBM-5A Mariner is on display at the Pima Aerospace Museum in Arizona, USA.
Despite the fact that the PBM-5A received new engines, the additional power is barely enough to compensate for the increased payload, as this aircraft is still slow, although has decent control despite its size. Its defensive protection has improved somewhat thanks to 8 heavy machine guns installed in the turrets and windows, with the pilots receiving armored backrests for their seats. Additionally, due to the enormous dimensions and large amount of empty space in the fuselage, the PBM-5A Mariner is capable of surviving machine-gun fire from fighters for prolonged periods of time, and can return to the airfield even after being damaged by autocannons.
The PBM-5A is going to be a fun aircraft for sophisticated air players, as it’ll be able to torpedo enemy ships in Naval Battles and fly around in Ground Battles causing a huge nuisance (literally, its wingspan is even larger than the B-17!). Its capable payload of up to 5,800 kg of bombs and torpedoes is not bad in itself, meaning the PBM-5A is an excellent choice for bombing in Air Battles too, however its impressive weight and varied arsenal will be in demand in both Ground and Naval Battles as well. Make sure to plan accordingly here and understand the search radar in advance. Doing so will not only be fun due to the amount of bombs, but will also come with an increased reward thanks to its premium status.
The PBM-5A Mariner can be yours for completing challenges in the new and upcoming Battle Pass season, starting on July 24th!
