SP-5B Marlin Jet modification question

[Bionic Modeler]

When I was stationed at North Island San Diego half our squadron (VP-31) were the SP-5B. During that time they were experimenting with Jato takeoff's and later they even incorporated a jet engine in the tail. I remember watching it take off in the Bay just before they de-commissioned the plane altogether in 1968. Does anyone know where I can get a photo of that version before I get too old to remember anymore?

[Texman]

I found one here I believe.

Third row down, Ken's Media - (member: 2446067) - on SodaHead

[Hathaway Veteran]

P5M Marlin Jet-Powered Assist

You will find detail here. I remember the P5M's parked on the North Island bone yard in the late 60's after Viet Nam and stateside duty.

If you have access to old magazines Air Classics did a nice article with photos -- but a long time ago. Also check Ginter's Navel Aircraft booklet series and Miller's Aerofax

Paul

[Knife]

Airliners.net has seven photos. Here's one of them:

Photos: Martin SP-5B Marlin Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net

[scon10]

What a fascinating story, and very ingenious to improve performance in this way! The drawing included in the article shows only a general arrangement, I wonder how the engineering elements were designed to take up the 3000 lbs thrust and lead it into the aircraft structure. Did they add rods and beams or was it done with sheet metal constructions? Anybody an idea?

[deckape]

Originally Posted by Bionic Modeler

When I was stationed at North Island San Diego half our squadron (VP-31) were the SP-5B. During that time they were experimenting with Jato takeoff's and later they even incorporated a jet engine in the tail. I remember watching it take off in the Bay just before they de-commissioned the plane altogether in 1968. Does anyone know where I can get a photo of that version before I get too old to remember anymore?

Ahoy
My best suggestion is to check out the internet I am quite certain you will get the straight dope on the JATO rockets used. I use to see them all the time on north Island before they were stricken from the naval register........... Below is a picture of my P5M Marlin I built this from blue foam board and cardstock.... The color schedule is that of VP-45 Sangley Point Caviti Phillipines. Market time Vietnam 1968.

Boats

[Bionic Modeler]

Knife, Not finding the jet in this page maybe I am missing it. The pictures I see are of the P-5 with a turret cover.

Decktape, great job on your model.

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by deckape

Ahoy
My best suggestion is to check out the internet I am quite certain you will get the straight dope on the JATO rockets used. I use to see them all the time on north Island before they were stricken from the naval register........... Below is a picture of my P5M Marlin I built this from blue foam board and cardstock.... The color schedule is that of VP-45 Sangley Point Caviti Phillipines. Market time Vietnam 1968.

Boats

Boats

It's been a while since you posted. Are you building, or taking a break for life's other needs?


Isaac

[Hathaway Veteran]

Originally Posted by scon10

What a fascinating story, and very ingenious to improve performance in this way! The drawing included in the article shows only a general arrangement, I wonder how the engineering elements were designed to take up the 3000 lbs thrust and lead it into the aircraft structure. Did they add rods and beams or was it done with sheet metal constructions? Anybody an idea?

The engine was mounted in the space vacant from removing the tailgun assembly and rear gunner equipment. Additional mounts for engine were bolted to inner existing bulkheads. I believe 2 flush openings in the fuselage were cut to serve as intakes. After several test flights, a scoop was mounted on fuselage top. North Island is a major overhaul facility to this day. It was not difficult then to do this mod. Despite the promise of this mod, which I would have continued with, NAVAIR saw differently and put their money on the P-3. Marlins were gone by the end of 1968.

[Hathaway Veteran]

Originally Posted by deckape

Ahoy
My best suggestion is to check out the internet I am quite certain you will get the straight dope on the JATO rockets used. I use to see them all the time on north Island before they were stricken from the naval register........... Below is a picture of my P5M Marlin I built this from blue foam board and cardstock.... The color schedule is that of VP-45 Sangley Point Caviti Phillipines. Market time Vietnam 1968.

Boats

Great job on the P5M! Would be nice if there was detailed paper/card model of this aircraft that gave the option of making a -1 or -2. 1/48 or 1/33???

Again - nice model.