Martin Mars water bomber
The Martin Mars water bomber was a Canadian civilian conversion of the Martin JRM Mars, a large flying boat originally built for the U.S.
The Martin Mars water bomber was a Canadian civilian conversion of the Martin JRM Mars, a large flying boat originally built for the U.S. Navy during the 1940s. Four surviving aircraft were later converted for firefighting and used for decades in British Columbia, making the type one of the best-known water bombers in Canada. The aircraft is a significant part of the Map of Canada's aviation heritage.
Design and origins
The Martin Mars was developed by the Martin Company as a large four-engine flying boat for the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was among the largest Allied flying boats to enter production, though only seven were completed.
Conversion to water bomber
After military service, several surviving aircraft were converted for civilian firefighting use. The conversion removed military equipment and added water tanks and scooping systems for aerial firefighting.
Service in British Columbia
The aircraft became closely associated with wildfire suppression in British Columbia, operating from Sproat Lake near Port Alberni. Sources describe decades of use on fires along the coast and sometimes in the interior. The aircraft were used mainly in British Columbia, a province that includes the city of Vancouver.
Retirement and preservation
Coulson Aviation retired the Hawaii Mars in 2015, and later moved it to the British Columbia Aviation Museum in 2024 for preservation. The Philippine Mars completed its final flight in 2025 and was sent to a museum in Arizona. The Hawaii Mars remains a symbol of the Flag of Canada's firefighting spirit.
Key facts
- The Martin Mars began as a military transport flying boat built in the 1940s for the U.S. Navy.
- Four surviving aircraft were converted into firefighting water bombers after military service.
- The aircraft were used mainly in British Columbia, with occasional firefighting use elsewhere.
- The type could carry about 27,000 litres of water per drop.
- The Hawaii Mars remained a major symbol of B.C. firefighting aviation and was later preserved for museum display.
The Martin Mars is strongly associated with British Columbia wildfire fighting and is a notable part of Canadian aviation history. One aircraft was preserved at the British Columbia Aviation Museum, and the type became an enduring symbol of aerial firefighting in western Canada.[4][8][14]
Frequently asked questions
What is the Martin Mars water bomber?
How much water could it carry?
Where was it used?
Who operated it in Canada?
How many Martin Mars aircraft survived?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_JRM_MarsSupports: Aircraft origin, production, firefighting conversion, water capacity, and Canadian wildfire use.
- CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/hawaii-martin-mars-last-flight-1.7291472Supports: Final flight, operational history in British Columbia, water capacity, and retirement context.
- Government of British Columbia — https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024TACS0006-000426Supports: Museum preservation, B.C. heritage significance, and service history.
- Coulson Group — https://coulsongroup.com/martin-mars/Supports: Conversion to water bombers, B.C. operations, and operational details.
- CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/exploring-the-nostalgia-for-b-c-s-martin-mars-water-bomber-1.4312810Supports: Canadian public recognition, capacity, and historical significance in British Columbia.