The Martin JRM Mars is a large, four-engined cargo transport seaplane originally designed and built in limited numbers for the U.S. Navy during the World War II era. It was the largest Allied flying boat to enter production, although only seven were built. The United States Navy contracted the development of the XPB2M-1 Mars in 1938 as a long range ocean patrol flying boat, which later entered production as the JRM Mars long range transport.
The surviving aircraft were later converted for civilian use to firefighting water bombers. One example of the aircraft still remains in active service.
You wouldn't want to go up against a Zeke or an Oscar in that big tub.
ReplyDeleteThey could fill it with holes, but unless they got the engines or the pilot, i'd probably just keep on flying.
DeleteHaving been built at the request of the government I'm sure the Martin company did not suffer a loss on these. Even a one of sample will at least break even if Uncle Sam is footing the bill.
ReplyDeleteGood point.
DeleteLook at the wing angle - and the lift necessary to get that big bad boy off the water and into the air (sort of like a pelican).
ReplyDelete