First flown in 1946, the P4M lost the competition to be the Navy's next maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft to the smaller and less expensive Lockheed P2V Neptune. Unlike the Neptune, which had its auxiliary jet engines tacked on as an afterthought on later models, the Mercator was designed as a four engined aircraft and it's jets were integrated into the engine nacelles. Procured in small numbers, the Mercator had a distinguished career in the electronic reconnaissance role.
The P4M-1 served with Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21), based on the U.S. East Coast
The P4M-1Q served with the Electronic Countermeasures Squadron's Squadron One (VQ-1) and Squadron Two (VQ-2)
Aircraft models, flight model, panels, gauges and textures by David Wooster
The P4M-1 served with Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21), based on the U.S. East Coast
The P4M-1Q served with the Electronic Countermeasures Squadron's Squadron One (VQ-1) and Squadron Two (VQ-2)
Aircraft models, flight model, panels, gauges and textures by David Wooster
