A piece of B.C.’s aviation history is set to have a new home at the British Columbia Aviation Museum in North Saanich. The Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber, one of only two Martin Mars aircraft in existence, will be the centrepiece of the new B.C. wildfire aviation exhibit. Minister Lana Popham recognizes the aircraft as a symbol of B.C.’s ingenuity and innovation in aviation firefighting. The B.C. government is providing $250,000 in one-time funding to the museum to support the move and preservation of the water bomber.
The Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber has a rich history, serving as a transport carrier for the United States navy and the largest air ambulance during the Korean War. It was last deployed in 2015 to extinguish wildfires in various locations, showcasing its capabilities in firefighting. The aircraft can only land and take off on water, making its final flight from Sproat Lake to the Saanich Inlet near the Victoria International Airport a unique and challenging operation. The process will involve passing federal inspections, crew training, and test flights to ensure a safe and successful final journey.
The significance of the Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber to the province’s history and the firefighting industry has led to the decision to house it in the British Columbia Aviation Museum. Many people have expressed a desire to see the aircraft displayed and protected as an important piece of B.C.’s heritage. The new exhibit will allow visitors to learn about the technology and innovations that have been integral to aviation firefighting over the years, with the Hawaii Martin Mars serving as a prominent example.
The final flight of the water bomber is expected to take place before the end of 2024, marking the end of its operational life and the beginning of its retirement in the museum. After landing at the Victoria International Airport, the aircraft will be brought up on a ramp, mounted on a trailer, and transported across the airport runways to the Canadian Coast Guard Base Patricia Bay for its final display. This meticulous process ensures that the Hawaii Martin Mars is preserved and showcased in a fitting manner that honors its historical significance.
Overall, the relocation of the Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber to the British Columbia Aviation Museum is a significant event for the province’s aviation history and firefighting legacy. The decision to house the aircraft in the museum reflects its importance as a symbol of B.C.’s innovation and technology in aviation. With government funding and careful planning, the final flight and display of the water bomber will be a momentous occasion that celebrates its contribution to firefighting efforts and highlights its historical value to the community.
The presence of the Hawaii Martin Mars in the B.C. wildfire aviation exhibit will provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the evolution of aviation firefighting and the role this iconic aircraft played in protecting communities from wildfires. Its final journey from Sproat Lake to the Saanich Inlet will be a sight to behold, showcasing the unique capabilities of the water bomber and honoring its service to the province. By preserving and displaying the Hawaii Martin Mars, the British Columbia Aviation Museum ensures that its legacy lives on for future generations to appreciate and admire.
