The skies of British Columbia have witnessed many remarkable aircraft over the years, but none have captured the hearts and minds of the local community quite like the Hawaii Martin Mars. This legendary water bomber is set to make its final flight on August 12, 2024, marking the end of an era for both aviation enthusiasts and those who have benefited from its firefighting prowess.
The last leg of its flight will take it from Port Alberni to the British Columbia Aviation Museum at Patricia Bay, just north of Victoria. During its glorious career, the Hawaii Martin Mars has battled fierce forest fires, covering vast areas and dropping millions of liters of water to quell the flames.
Wayne Coulson, the owner of the aircraft, shared his heartfelt sentiments about the plane's rich history. "It’s just been such an honor to own this airplane. It’s brought so much good not only to the community but certainly to our company as we look at transitioning away from this aircraft. It’s served us well,” he expressed. The anticipation of this moment reflects the nostalgia and pride held by many who have witnessed the aircraft soar through the sky.
The Hawaii Mars has roots dating back to World War II when it was originally built as part of the U.S. Navy's fleet for ocean patrol. After the war, the aircraft was retired and transformed for firefighting purposes, and since the late 1950s, it’s been solving wildfires across British Columbia. Over its operational span, it has dropped approximately 190 million liters of water, which emphasizes its significance as one of the most effective firefighting aircraft ever made.
Its size is nothing short of magnificent. With a wingspan of 200 feet, the aircraft can carry up to 27,000 liters of water at once. It reaches impressive speeds, maxing out at 356 kilometers per hour, though it often cruises at about 310 kilometers per hour. This performance made it especially suitable for the demanding conditions encountered during wildfire suppression.
An expected highlight of the final flight will include its escort by nine Canadian Forces Snowbirds jets, known for their spectacular aerial maneuvers. The Snowbirds will join as the Hawaii Mars passes over various communities, creating memories for those on the ground. Once the flight is complete, the Hawaii Mars will take its place among other aviation artifacts at the BC Aviation Museum, allowing future generations to experience its legacy.
Visitors to the aviation museum can look forward to engaging and educational displays dedicated to the Hawaii Mars and its history, including various interactive experiences and historical information about aerial firefighting advancements. This exhibit will be seen as honoring the brave firefighters and pilots who have faced wildfires head-on.
Retired pilots like Peter Killin and Rick Matthews will be at the controls of the aircraft for this poignant encounter. Killin, who has logged over 1,000 hours flying the Mars, reflected on the mixed feelings surrounding the plane’s retirement. "It’s kind of sad, but also exciting for what’s next. It’ll be good for people to see it again and appreciate its history," he said, referring to the aircraft's transition to museum status.
Wayne Coulson announced earlier this year the aircraft’s donation to the BC Aviation Museum, expressing it as "a grand ending to a great history." The announcement brought bittersweet emotions as people began to realize the passing of this aviation icon. With funding from the province, around $250,000 has been allocated to protect and preserve the airplane as part of the museum’s exhibition. Richard Mosdell, the lead for the museum’s 'Save the Mars' project, passionately remarked on the rich legacy left by the aircraft, reminiscing about the deep, rumbling sound of its engines reverberated through the valley as it tackled wildfires.
While the Hawaii Mars is set to take its final bow, it is worth highlighting its brother aircraft, the Philippine Mars, which underwent similar adventures and will follow suit to become part of the Pima Air and Space Museum. Its relocation is planned for September 2024, and it too will complete its final flight down the Pacific coast, embarking on yet another long history of service and remembrance.
Overall, this final flight is not merely about the plane or the technical specifications; it’s about the community’s connection with this behemoth of the skies. It reaffirms the appreciation for aerial firefighting's role during wildfire seasons, especially when the impacts of climate change have led to increases in the intensity and frequency of these natural disasters.
This aircraft has become more than just metal and mechanics; it’s woven deeply within the fabric of British Columbia’s firefighting history. It symbolizes resilience against nature's fury, courage, and the innovative spirit behind aviation. So as the Hawaii Martin Mars makes its farewell tour through the skies, both the pilots and spectators will undoubtedly reflect on the numerous lives it has touched, alongside the firefighters continuing the fight against wildfires today. It’s not just the end; it's the legacy the aircraft leaves behind for future generations – reminding all of the ingenuity and dedication human beings display when facing nature's might.
