Martin JRM-2 Mars

Glenn L. Martin Company · USA · first flew 1945 · transport aircraft

The JRM-2 Mars was an upgraded variant of the Martin Mars flying boat, distinguished from the JRM-1 by its installation of more powerful Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone radial engines.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	4 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	35.7 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Upgraded Mars with Wright R-3350 engines
Four-engine patrol transport flying boat
Largest operational US Navy flying boat

Visually identical to the JRM-1 at distance; the engine change to Wright R-3350s is the primary distinguishing feature, distinguishable by cowling details at close range.

Specifications

The Martin JRM-2 Mars has a length of 35.7 m (117 ft).
It has a wingspan of 60.96 m (200 ft).
Its maximum speed is 338 km/h (210 mph).
Typical crew: 7.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The single JRM-2, named Philippine Mars, was completed with Wright R-3350 engines in place of the Pratt & Whitney R-4360s of the JRM-1, offering improved performance; it joined the Navy's transport fleet shortly after World War II ended.

Variants

The JRM-2 represented the peak of the Mars development line; subsequent modifications led to the JRM-3 designation for reworked airframes converted to fire-bomber configuration in Canadian service.

Where you'll see it

Like its siblings, Philippine Mars eventually passed to Canadian fire-bomber service, operating as a water bomber with Forest Industries Flying Tankers in British Columbia through much of the late twentieth century.

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