Item:

• GIN111 Navel Fighters Number 111: "Able Mabel", Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler Aircraft Book.
• (Navel Fighters Number 111)
• By Steve Ginter.
• Pages: 152
  Size: 8.5 X 11 (inches)
  Illustrations: 326 b/w & 4 color photos, 48 drawings, 15 insignias
  Publisher: Steve Ginter
  ISBN: 9780999388488
  Product Code: GB84.
• English.

Description:

• The Martin Am Mauler was Martin's attempt at competing with Douglas's AD Skyraider.  A much bigger aircraft, the AM Mauler was more powerful and could carry a heavier payload then the Douglas Skyraider.  But problems arose that cut the Martin Mauler production run short.  Never before seen photographs and technical data on the forgotten Martin Am Mauler. 
• Nicknamed the "Awful Monster" because of its less-than-perfect landing tendencies and maintenance problems, the Martin AM Mauler wasn't operational for long. It's design, development, and operational history is highlighted in this book.

• "Able Mabel", the Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler, was the product of a 1943 Navy contract for two prototype bomber torpedo (BT) planes. Two other contractors, Curtiss and Fleetwings also received prototype contracts. In 1944 after the testing of these prototypes and a new entry the Douglas Skyraider, the Navy placed production orders for the Martin Mauler and the Douglas Skyraider. Even though the Skyraider proved more suitable for carrier operations, 139 AM-1s and 18 AM-1Qs were produced and served with five attack squadrons and one composite squadron before being relegated to the reserves. With its huge R-4360-4W 28-cylinder 3,000 BHP engine, the Mauler performed like a fighter and had the power to out lift any other single engine aircraft in the world at the time. In addition to its heavy-lift capabilities (10,648 lbs. of fuel, 4-20mm guns with ammo, 3 torpedos and 12-250 lb. bombs) the unique finger-type dive brakes on the AM-1 gave it extremely accurate and rock-steady dive bombing performance deemed best in the world by navy test pilots. Its awesome performance made it a challenge at times particularly around the boat and earned it the enduring nickname of "Awful Monster".