May 11, 2010

Martin Mars Water Bomber:Flying Tanker Tour

Originally, the Martin Mars flying boats were produced for the US Navy and were used as troop and cargo transports among the islands of the Pacific. Firefighting certainly wasn't what the aircraft's manufacturer, Glenn L. Martin had in mind..... however, all four aircraft, the Marianas, Philippine, Hawaii and Caroline Mars were ferried to British Columbia where three were fitted with 7,200 gallon (27,276 litres) water tanks and converted to waterbombers!

Martin Mars Water Bomber 13

Flying Tankers operate on the philosophy of "gallons per hour". Simply stated, this means a direct assault on the fire by dropping the largest possible amount of water or gel in the shortest possible time. This philosophy, combined with the Mars excellent initial attack and outstanding ability for sustained operations are the keys to our success - they are scoopers and, working in tandem, they are able to deliver 14,000 US gallons (54,500 litres) of suppressant for the initial attack and continue delivering as much as 7,200 US gallons (27,276 litres) every seven minutes thereafter in sustained operations if needed.

Martin Mars Water Bomber 05

Today Coulson Flying Tankers is the newest division of Coulson Aircrane Ltd. Coulson's have for many years been operating a fleet of Sikorski S61 heavy lift helicoptors, and have determined that efficiencies gained over the years have "freed up" flying time and are now able to offer Mars services which were largely restricted to the owners in previous years. In short, the Mars are spreading their 200 foot (61 meter) wingspan to provide protection on a callout service or contract basis to any company or agency requiring the unique initial attack and sustained action qualities of the Mars. NO OTHER AIRCRAFT CAN DELIVER A MASSIVE 60,000 POUND (27,216 KILOGRAM) PAYLOAD AS QUICKLY AS THE MARS AND CONTINUE TO DELIVER IT EVERY FEW MINUTES FOR SEVERAL HOURS OR UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED.

Martin Mars Water Bomber 03 Martin Mars Water Bomber 06 Martin Mars Water Bomber 11 Martin Mars Water Bomber 12 Martin Mars Water Bomber 15 Martin Mars Water Bomber 16 Martin Mars Water Bomber 17 Martin Mars Water Bomber 20 Martin Mars Water Bomber 21Martin Mars Water Bomber 02

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6 Responses to “Martin Mars Water Bomber:Flying Tanker Tour”

oldgranpa@hotmail.com said...
May 18, 2010 at 3:23 PM

Absolutely amazing! I've flown various types of aircraft but have never landed on the water. I can imagine what that would be like, but making high speed passes to fill up internal tanks is mind boggling. The guys that fly these things have my respect.
They look like the old Navy model P-5 (Marlin). They abviously are old because they are powered by recip engines. I don't know where the pilots came from but hats off to them! True bravery hss not vanished yet. God bless!


het said...
May 19, 2010 at 1:48 AM

wat's classic and very amegining


Anonymous said...
May 19, 2010 at 1:32 PM

j like it


Anonymous said...
May 29, 2010 at 4:03 PM

We surely need those planes in Quebec right now. Lots of fires. No rain.


Anonymous said...
June 6, 2010 at 1:11 AM

The Quebec government needs to negotiate with Wayne Coulson, CEO of Flying Tankers.


Anonymous said...
July 30, 2010 at 9:44 AM

Seen a few water planes in my time but this has always skimed my viewing awsome craft.


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