23 June 2016
+VIDEO A rare opportunity to fly one of the world’s most spectacular aircraft has come up. Coulson Flying Tankers, owners of the largest flying water bombers in the world, has announced the Ultimate Flying Experience, a chance to fly the Martin Mars.
“The Martin Mars aircraft, holders of numerous world records, are truly amazing pieces of WWII history, as they are the largest aircraft ever built,” said Wayne Coulson, CEO and president of Coulson Flying Tankers. “Before the fleet is retired, Coulson Aviation is offering aviation enthusiasts a chance to fly one of these incredible pieces of aviation history.”
Coulson purchased the Martin Mars water bombers in 2007 with the notion to modernise these aircraft and continue to use them for aerial fire suppression throughout North America.
“There will never be an aircraft built that will have flown and dropped more water on wildfires over their five-decade history,” continued Coulson. “They were the anchor of the British Columbia Government Firefighting program until released from service in 2015. We have been honored to be part of their wonderful history and are excited to be bringing one of the Martin Mars to the Oshkosh air show this year.”
Coulson Flying Tankers is base at Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The price of a flight in the Martin Mars? USD 25,000 per pilot for a two-day flying experience.
https://youtu.be/5pwur__bfHg
Martin Mars Fast Facts
Wingspan 60.96 metres (200ft)
Length 35.74m (117ft 3in)
Height (afloat) 11.71m (38ft 5in)
Wing area 342.4 sq m (3,686sq ft)
Max takeoff weight 74,843kg (165,000 lb)
Empty weight 34,279kg (75,573 lb)
Full water load 27,000 litres (6,000 gallons)
Power 4 x Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone 18-cylinder radial engines, producing 2,500hp each
Propellers 4-blade Curtiss Electric, 4.62m (15ft 2in) diameter variable-pitch
Max speed 192 knots
