A historic piece of BC aviation is going to be preserved by the Province so that its story can be told for future generations.
The BC government has provided $250,000 in funding to preserve the massive Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber at the British Columbia Aviation Museum, just outside Sidney.
The Hawaii Martin Mars was not only a transport carrier for the United States Navy, but it also served as the largest air ambulance during the Korean War until its conversion in 1958.
The iconic red-and-white water tanker aircraft last flew during the summer of 2015 to extinguish BC’s prolific wildfires. It was also used to combat wildfires in California, Mexico and Alberta.
All in all, it served five decades in BC.
“The Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber is a proud symbol of BC’s ingenuity and innovation, representing cutting-edge technology in aviation firefighting of its time,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“We recognize the value the Hawaii Martin Mars water bomber holds for many people and have heard their desire to have it housed in the British Columbia Aviation Museum, where it can be displayed and protected as an important piece of our province’s history.”
The aircraft is set to be the new centrepiece of the latest exhibit at the museum on wildfire aviation.
According to BC, the Hawaii is one of only two Martin Mars water bombers left in existence.
“This is great news for people with an interest or who work in the aviation industry, and for B.C.’s cultural and tourism sectors,” said Bob D’Eith, Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film.
“Our government is pleased to support this co-operative effort to add this iconic water bomber to British Columbia Aviation Museum’s permanent collection, where it is sure to become a part of the signature attractions BC has to offer our visitors and residents.”
Before it is preserved for decades to come, it has one last flight to complete sometime before the end of 2024 from Coulson Aviation Tanker Base in Port Alberni to Victoria International Airport.
However, the Hawaii can only take off and land on water, so it will actually take off from Sproat Lake and land in the Saanich Inlet next to the Victoria International Airport.
Before it can do this, it has to be deemed flight-worthy by passing several tests and having crew trained to fly it.
After it has landed in the Saanich Inlet, the final stage of its moving will take place where the aircraft will be brought up on a ramp, mounted on a trailer and transported across Victoria International Airport runways.
