The Academy Plastic Model Company has been producing kits since 1969. The company is famous for its endless research and development and the excellent model kits that result from the effort. Academy has been awarded 'Model of the Year' at the Nuremberg International Toy Show many times and the quality of their model kits meets or exceeds that of any other current manufacturer. PBM-5A was a WWII era twin engine American patrol bomber flying boat. It continued to be used into the early Cold War period. The Martin PBM Mariner was designed as a stable mate to the immensely successful PBY Catalina. It is a large cantilever, gull-winged, twin-engine flying boat. The wing and tail surfaces required no external bracing like so many flying boats that preceded it making it highly aerodynamic. The first PBM-1s entered service with the U.S. Navy in September of 1940 and subsequent models would serve with the U.S. up until about 1956. Other countries like Uruguay would operate them well into the 60’s. The PBM-5 for which this kit is based would herald in retractable landing gear making her one of if not the largest amphibious aircraft ever.