NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
The Martin Mars Water Bombers are world's largest active propeller driven water bombers and the largest seaplanes ever to enter production.
The U.S. Navy contracted for the development of large transport aircraft in 1935. In answer the manufacturer enlarged their PBM Mariner patrol bomber to produce the JRM-1 Mars series of aircraft. These went on to become the Mars Water Bombers.
After successful testing of the prototype, the U.S. Navy ordered 20 aircraft. The first was delivered in June 1945, but with the end of the war the Navy cut their order to only five additional aircraft for a total of six in all, with the last one delivered in 1947.
The production Mars aircraft entered service transporting cargo from the U.S. to Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. Through the years, four of the aircraft were lost in various incidents. The remaining two entered service as the Mars Water Bombers in 1963.
They are operated by Flying Tankers, Inc. and are based at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni, British Columbia.
One of the two aircraft, the Hawaiian Mars, has recently been temporarily based at Lake Elsinore in Southern California. It was last employed to fight the August 2009 Southern California blazes.
Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Capacity:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Ceiling:
Range:
Duration:
Year Deployed as
a water bomber:
water bomber
four
4- R 2,500 hp ea.
75,573 lbs.
165,000 lbs.
7,500 gals.
119' 6"
202' 7"
190 mph
221 mph
14,600 feet
4,950 miles
5 1/2 hours
1963
Radio Control Airplane
A rc Philippine Mars Water Bomber.
Radio Control Airplane
Philippine Mars rc airplane taking on water.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Hawaiian Mars airplane water drop.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Hawaiian Mars Water Bomber.
Radio Control Airplane
A rc Mars Water Bomber.
Radio Control Airplane
A rc Mars Water Bomber from Ivan's Plans.
Radio Control Airplane
The rc Mars Water Bombers make a fantastic radio control airplane project.
Pictured above and below is a rc Mars Water Bomber from Ivan's Plans. The RC Airplane is 1/20 scale with a ten foot wing span. Powering it are four Jamara HS BB motors geared 4.1:1.
If you know of any other rc Mars Water Bombers, please email us.
Martin Mars Water Bombers
