It may have been a even more involved than that. The plane did actually go
into production, before it was canceled. There were a total of 9 built, with
3 P6M-2 production versions on the ramp. I am not sure it was considered a
competitor to the P-3. There was also fighting going on between the USAF
and Navy, as to who had the right to deliver nuclear weapons. From what I
have read, the original mission of minelaying was being changed to that of
being more of a bomber with nuclear strike capabilities. This was threating
the USAF mission, and also meant a fight for budget. If the P6M was not used
as a bomber, it had no mission. Ron

"Harriet and John" wrote in message
...
Right off the bat, I cannot give you a definitive answer about the
wings...but a good friend of mine ended up as the project officer on the
program and I have had an "interested" relationship with the Martin family
of aircraft over the years. It is my recollection that in addition to the
overall reluctance of the Navy to continue two lines of ASW aviation
communities by funding the high risk P6M (VP-S) program coincident with
the low risk P3 (VP-L) program, there were significant problems with
high-sea- state splash flameout resembling the Sea Dart experience, and a
conscious strategic decision to fund the land based program.

"BILL" wrote in message
...
I may be wrong but didnt this aircraft have a problem with its wings
bending in flight .Can anyone confirm please

regards Bill