In 1943 the U.S. Navy began to plan for a new type of attack aircraft, one that would combine the roles of the scout and torpedo bombers (such as the Curtiss Helldiver and Grumman Avenger).

These plans drew on the experience of two years of active carrier operations and would reflect the changing demands of naval air power. The emphasis was to be on load-carrying capability and performance, using a single-seat airframe designed around the most powerful engine then available.

The offensive load was to be placed on external hardpoints (instead of internal weapon bays), which would save in both airframe weight and complexity. Martin aircraft submitted a design proposal known as the Model 210, which was given the Navy designation XBTM-1.

The first prototype flew in August 1944, with a production order for 750 BTM-1s following in January 1945. The designation was changed to AM-1 and the aircraft was given the name the Mauler.

The first production aircraft did not fly until December 1946, with deliveries to an active Navy squadron starting in March 1948. Only 149 Maulers were completed before production ceased in October 1949, and most of these were passed the Navy Reserve squadrons.

The Navy had instead decided to use the Douglas AD-1 Skyraider, which became the standard U.S. Navy attack aircraft, serving with distinction in Korea and Vietnam.