Martin JRM Mars
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1942 · transport aircraft
The Martin JRM Mars was the largest flying boat ever operated by the United States Navy, a massive four-engine patrol and transport aircraft capable of carrying 7,000 kg of cargo or over 130 passengers. It was the culmination of the golden age of large flying boats.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 35.74 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Largest flying boat to enter US Navy service
- Four Wright R-3350 radials on high parasol wing
- Massive single-hull boat with T-tail on the JRM-2/3
Enormous single-hull flying boat with four large radial engines mounted above the high parasol wing; the sheer scale is distinctive, with a wingspan exceeding that of a B-29.
Specifications
- The Martin JRM Mars has a length of 35.74 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
Originally ordered as a patrol bomber in 1938, the Mars prototype flew in 1942 and entered service post-war as a cargo transport following changes in requirements. Seven aircraft were completed and four served in US Navy transport roles until 1956. Two surviving Hawaiian Mars aircraft continued as aerial firebombers in Canada until very recently, representing the last operational flying boats of their size.
Variants
The JRM-1 had a conventional tail; the JRM-2 and JRM-3 featured a T-tail. The Hawaiian Mars and Philippine Mars were individual aircraft names.
Where you'll see it
US Navy transport use until 1956; two aircraft served as water bombers in Canada fighting forest fires, the last retiring around 2015.
Related aircraft
- Glenn L. Martin XPB2M-1 Mars
- Martin Baltimore Mk III
- Martin Baltimore Mk IIIa
- Martin Baltimore Mk IV
- Avro York
- Beechcraft GB-2
- Beechcraft JRB-2 Voyager
- Beechcraft JRB-3 Voyager
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