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Martin Mars Flying Boat
The Mars may have been built in small numbers but it was a success on several levels.
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Martin Mars Prototype. Note The Double Tail Only Used On The Prototype
Built during the second world war the Martin Mars would be the largest flying boat placed into production for the US Navy. There were larger flying boats during the war such as the Spruce Goose but none would go on to have the history of the Martin Mars.
The Navy would lose three of the production run in crashes during its military service. It wasn’t the fault of the design. It was a direct result of how hard these aircraft were used during war time. Even with these losses the surviving hulls would continue to make their flights delivering cargo, troops and supplies to the Pacific.
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Martin Mars Water Bombers
The four surviving Mars were converted to water bombers after 1959. They would go on to serve in this capacity until 2013 when the Mars will land for the last time as an operational aircraft. As a water bomber the Mars is capable of dropping 7200 gallons of water on an area equivalent to four acres and only needs 22 seconds coming over a lake to reload. Between 1959 and 2012 two more would crash and would leave the final two serving its last operator Coulson Fire Tankers whose promotional video I have attached below. As of June 2013 the last two Martin Mars are heading to museums for a well deserved retirement.
Data from Jane’s Fighting Aircraft of World War II
General characteristics
- Crew: four (with accommodations for a second relief crew)
- Capacity: 133 troops, or 84 litter patients and 25 attendants
- Payload: 32,000 lb (15,000 kg) of cargo, including up to seven jeeps
- Length: 117 ft 3 in (35.74 m)
- Wingspan: 200 ft 0 in (60.96 m)
- Height: 38 ft 5 in (11.71 m)
- Wing area: 3,686 ft² (342.4 m²)
- Empty weight: 75,573 lb (34,279 kg)
- Loaded weight: 90,000 lb (40,820 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 165,000 lb (74,800 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × Wright R-3350-24WA Duplex Cyclone 18-cylinder radial engines, 2,500 hp (1,900 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 192 knots (221 mph, 356 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 165 knots (190 mph, 305 km/h)
- Range: 4,300 nautical miles (5,000 mi, 8,000 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,600 ft (4,450 m)
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It is rare that you can call an aircraft run of only seven a success. The Martin Mars proved more valuable as a water bomber than it ever did in its original military role. Thankfully the two survivors are on their way to retirement. They should be applauding for being used hard and being put away wet.