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An iconic plane has been listed for sale in BC.
The Martin JRM Mars water bomber is in Port Alberni, waiting for the a buyer to pick it up for the cool price of $5 million.
The water bomber, known as the Hawaii Mars II, is a WWII-era plane. It is being sold by Platinum Fighter Sales.
“Today, Hawaii Mars II remains the only airworthy example of it’s type in the world,” said the company. “The opportunity to purchase and preserve a unique part of aviation history is now available for the discerning buyer, or donor.”
After the war, the Martin Mars planes served with cargo duties until being retired in 1956.
The aircraft were almost sold for scrap, but in 1959 they were given a second chance when Forest Industries Flying Tankers in Canada purchased them for forest fire prevention inventory.
The planes designated as Marianas Mars and Caroline Mars were the first to become water bombers, but in 1961 the Marianas Mars was in an accident while participating in a firefighting operation near Northwest Bay, BC.
Two years later, the Caroline Mars had a similar accident.
“Today, Hawaii Mars II remains the only airworthy example of it’s type in the world,” said the seller.
“The opportunity to purchase and preserve a unique part of aviation history is now available for the discerning buyer, or donor.”