The Martin Mars Coulson Flying Boat Water Bomber British Columbia BC Canada


The 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. After successful testing of the prototype, the 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 to Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. Through the years, four of the aircraft were lost in various incidents. The remaining two entered service as water bombers in 1963. They are operated by Flying Tankers, Inc. and are based at Sproat Lake near Port Alberni, British Columbia. The main base of operations for Coulson Flying Tankers is situated on Sproat Lake near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. Integrated maintenance, operations and administration are housed in modern facilities and the company is virtually self-sufficient in all respects. The Mars are spreading their 200 ft . wingspan to provide firefighting protection on a call out service or contract basis to any company or agency requiring the unique initial attack and sustained action qualities of the Mars.


Size: 5598px × 3747px
Location: Sproat Lake Port Alberni Vancouver Island British Columbia BC Canada
Photo credit: © David Gowans / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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