Water Bomber Martin (Hawaii) Mars demo

The world's largest flying tanker -- the Martin Mars -- displays its capabilities at Garry Point Park in Richmond, BC, Canada as part of events related to Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PST on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010.

Hundreds of spectators turned up at the park to see the Hawaii Mars -- also called the Mighty Water Bomber -- despite freezing temperatures and pouring rain. The tanker was also on display on Feb. 23.

The story of the creation of the water bomber begins in the 1950s when Richmond volunteer fire fighter, senior pilot and Burkeville (it's on Sea Island, Richmond) resident, Daniel (Dan) Erskine McIvor's vision, determination and ingenuity transformed Martin Mars World War II Navy planes into career water bombers, evolving planes from fire spotters to fire fighters. Dan McIvor (1911-2005) is referred to as the father of the water bomber concept.

Of the five Martin Mars originally built, only the Hawaii and Philippine Mars are still in action. They are U.S. national treasures and served the US Navy from 1945 to 1958. Starting their careers operating between the California Coast and Hawaiian Islands during the Second World War, these aircraft are the only two that still operate today in commercial air service. They were converted to water bombers in 1960 by a consortium of five timber companies in British Columbia, Canada. Since 1960 these aircraft have operated out of beautiful Sproat Lake, Port Alberni, BC, fighting over 4,000 wildfires and dropping an impressive 7,200 gallons per load.

Coulson Group purchased these aviation giants in 2007 and received its first U.S. mission in the firestorm of 2007 in San Diego county. In 2008 the aircraft worked in Northern California and was based out of Lake Shasta. The Hawaii Mars' performance proved to be safe, cost effective, and a highly productive asset to the fierce wildfires that continue to dominate the North American landscape.

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[jmantheburninator]

WOW, that's really cool. We need some of these in Canada. it looks like the first hercules. Great Video

[sanjibdutta]

@jmantheburninator

Thanks for watching :):)

[sichogs]

i was here too!!! it was great when he came back and dropped the water!!!

[sanjibdutta]

It was great. Thanks for uploading your videos.

[DJDanniFantom]

SO They Got Water From hawaii And Dropped It In San Diego And CAme Back??

[Nabiyur]

in my country we have many of these planes but ours filled with explosives not water.

[buynanaimo1]

Been in the Plane they are awesome!

Finding your way home is so important!

Let me guide you their....

Mike McKillican

Remax of Nanaimo