Distinguished by its awe-inspiring size, the Mart JRM Mars outclassed its counterparts, such as the Fire Boss, in terms of power. The JRM Mars boasted an extraordinary capability to unload 27,276 gallons of water in a matter of seconds, a volume sufficient to cover a sprawling four acres of burning land. This was a remarkable contrast to the 819 gallons that a single Fire Boss could release.
As the largest Allied flying boat of the WWII era, the Mart JRM Mars occupies a significant place in aviation history. This article delves into the comprehensive details surrounding this colossal aircraft, offering a thorough exploration of its design, capabilities, and its noteworthy role during a critical period in military aviation.
The Martiп JRM Mars Was һeаⱱіɩу Iпspired By The PBM Mariпer
During the comparison with the PBM Mariner, the JRM Mars was identified as its evolutionary successor by the team at Glenn L. Martin. The initial prototype, known as Buno1520 and completed in November 1941, differed slightly from the final product as it featured two mega vertical tails, a design element later removed.
In December 1941, during taxi testing, the Buno1520 prototype faced a catastrophic end when one of the propellers malfunctioned, causing a fuel tank leak that subsequently ignited, setting the engine ablaze. Following this disaster, repairs were delayed as just two days later, the United States entered World War II following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
As the war unfolded, advancements in military technology progressed rapidly, and the long-awaited JRM was finally ready for action. The era of slow-moving bombers became obsolete, making way for larger warplanes boasting extra speed and range. The Mart JRM Mars, now given the new designation XPB2M-1R, was not designed with the sole purpose of unleashing bombs. Recognizing its potential, the U.S. Navy decided that it would be more useful as a military transport. With this decision came some clever modifications – its wing bomb bays, gun turrets, and armored plating were swapped for cargo hatches and loading equipment. The JRM Mars, once seen as a potential bomber, evolved into a versatile military transport aircraft, showcasing the adaptability and ingenuity of aviation during this critical period.
The Martiп JRM Mars Was The Best Flyiпg Boat The World Had Ever Seeп
The colossal proportions of the Martin JRM Mars demand appreciation, housing four 180-cylinder Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone engines. This superlative flying boat boasted an impressive 2,200 horsepower, propelling it to a top speed of 221 mph. Typically cruising through the skies at 190 mph and maintaining an altitude of 14,600 feet, the Mars exhibited a remarkable range of 4,949 miles.
Adhering to the conventional design of flying boats, the JRM Mars featured a massive, rounded hull, and its flight deck was elevated, providing an astonishing range of visibility to ensure that pilots could precisely release masses of water in the targeted area. Its elongated wings, characterized by straight design and curved red tips, were each equipped with a two-strut pontoon to prevent tipping into the water during load pickup. A notable feature of the Martin JRM Mars was its capability to transform the 27,276 liters of water it scooped up into foam by combining it with a chemical concentrate stored in a separate tank.
The Martiп JRM Mars Was A fігe-fіɡһtіпɡ ɩeɡeпd
In the mid to late 1950s, extensive forest fires wreaked havoc on the land in western Canada, posing a severe threat to the Forest Industries Flying Tankers depot, responsible for producing tankers to combat the escalating fire crisis. Recognizing the scarcity of airfields but the abundance of lakes surrounding the affected area, Chief Pilot Dan McIvor of MacMillan-Bloedel suggested that a flying boat with effective firefighting capabilities could be the solution to their growing problems. The Martin JRM Mars emerged as the perfect answer, and in the 1960s, all six JRMs underwent a comprehensive refurbishment at Victoria Airport by Fairway Aviation.
Engineers dedicated themselves to stripping away unnecessary features originally designed for military transport purposes, transforming the Martin JRM Mars into a specialized aerial firefighting super tanker. The flying boats were equipped with massive water tanks efficiently filled by a striking retractable scoop system, turning the JRM into an unparalleled aerial firefighting superstar.
As of now, the Hawaii Mars stands as the sole remaining flight-worthy Martin JRM Mars and has earned a legendary reputation. This colossal aircraft is set to be available for sale towards the end of 2022, and for any prospective buyer, a vast lake is a prerequisite. This firefighting legend broke boundaries during its service days, significantly aiding the U.S. Navy. Hopefully, its next caretaker will treat this piece of legendary history with the appreciation and respect it truly deserves.