The post-war grail for aircraft
manufacturers was to develop a replacement for the Douglas
DC-3. Martin's entry into this perceived market was the Martin
4-0-4 series of aircraft.
The prototype 2-0-2 first flew on 22
November 1946. The loss of a 2-0-2 in 1948 due to wing
structural failure led to the end of production for this
aircraft. An improved 3-0-3 had already been flown but the
need for a wing redesign put an end to the 3-0-3 also.
The 4-0-4 had a redesigned wing as
well as a pressurized cabin. The delay allowed other
manufacturers the lead time they needed. Production of the
4-0-4 ended in 1953 after only 103 had been built.
