Martin Mars Water Bombers

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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 Martin Co. enlarged their PBM Mariner patrol bomber to produce the JRM-1 Mars series of aircraft. These went on to become the Martin 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 Martin Mars Water Bombers in 1963. They are operated by Flying Tankers, Inc. and are based at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni, British Columbia.

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