This is the sole flying Martin Mars XPB2M Flying boat left in the world, the Hawaii Mars. Only 5 of these brutes were made, used by the military from 1946-56, them became fire bombers in the 60s. Based in British Columbia and operated by the Coulson Aviation.

This massive bird can drop a load of 7500 gallons of water at once, 200 foot wing span, 120 feet in length, 45 feet in height with a weight of 145,000 pounds empty and cruise at a speed of 220 MPH.

She came to EAA to show off and hopefully land a new buyer, Talking with Wayne Coulson himself, he wanted to either sell or trade off for other warbirds.

Sadly, just after this photo was taken, she went on another private flight off Lake Winnebago and was in the process of doing a water scoop for another dump demonstration when she hit a Canada Goose in her #4 engine, seriously damaging it. Which caused her to drastically slow down and nose in somewhat, the weight of water in her hold shoved her nose heavy and "Striking something hard under water" punching in two sizable holes in her foreward hull.

Instantly taking on water they kicked on her onboard pumps to stem the flooding and she taxi'd back towards shore, frantically calling out for help. EAA came through with boats and pumps and were still running the pumps the next day to keep her from sinking. Divers were trying to patch the holes torn in her hull. Wayne said that the damage cannot be repaired internally in location so a temporary patching will have to suffice while they try and repair the goose damaged #4 engine.

She was scheduled to drop a load of water on the "Wall of fire" Saturday night, but the damage prevented this.

I was thrilled just to see this mighty aircraft even flying, let alone dropping her load and that alone was worth the EAA visit this year.

Wayne also told me that a sister ship, Phillippine Mars, was traded to the US Navy and will be fully restored to her Military configuration and placed on display in Pensacola Florida at the US Naval Aviation Museum.