Regional
Martin Mars to support northern California fire operations
Author: Michael Odle, Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Published on Jun 26, 2008 - 8:21:58 PM

REDDING, Calif. June 26, 2008 - One of the world's largest scooping water bombers will arrive tomorrow evening, a slight delay after a minor mechanical problem while en route to Shasta Lake this afternoon. The aircraft will arrive in northern California to aid in firefighting efforts throughout northern California.

"The massive Martin Mars water bomber has come to drink from the largest manmade reservoir in California," said Shasta-Trinity Forest Service spokesman Michael Odle.

From a drop height of 150 to 200 feet the water bomber can release 7,200 gallons of water over an area of three to four acres. The bomber has a total flying time of almost six hours allowing it to make up to 37 consecutive drops before refueling, depending on the fire's location and the water collection point. It will drop mixtures of water or foam to suppress wildfires.

"The Mars ability to drop massive amounts of water will greatly aid in the suppression of difficult to access wildfires," said Forest Aviation Officer Tim Caughlin. "The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is evaluating how to add a 60,000-pound blanket of water to our firefighting mix."

Aircraft operations are being established at both Shasta and Oroville lakes to provide flexibility, according to Odle. Additionally an amphibious 206 lead plane will be stationed out of Redding Airport the Shasta-Trinity Air Tanker Base. The lead plane can land on both water and land.

"The lead plane and the water bomber will marry up in the air and do their business. That's the plan right now," said Odle.

Shasta Lake will remain open during aircraft operations; however aircraft operations are likely to impact recreational and commercial activities along Shasta Lake.

The aircraft has been in California a few times assisting the state, according to Forest Service Regional Aviation Officer Dennis Holberg. This will be the first time the aircraft has been used by the federal government.

Originally intended as a long range bomber for the U.S. Navy, the Martin Mars were redesigned for general transport. When the Navy retired the planes, they were bought by Flying Tankers Inc. of Canada and repurposed as water bombers. When the water bombers are not fighting fires they are permanently based on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.

FAST FACTS:

- Canadian registered aircraft, built in 1946, almost the size of a 747---on par with the size of the Spruce Goose
- Has a 7,200 gal capacity, 2 to 3 times the capacity of standard air tankers which have capacity of 2,000 to 3,000 gallons (retardant)
- This aircraft can drop water or foam.
- Foam is injected into water as it's dropped from the aircraft for foam operations.
- It has no landing gear; it scoops water out of a lake.

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