Frequently asked questions
What is the Martin Mars?
The Martin JRM Mars is a giant four-engined flying boat — the largest Allied flying boat ever to enter production, with a 200-foot wingspan. Seven were built from 1945 as US Navy transports, and the survivors were later converted into aerial wartime-era water bombers. This is the Hawaii Mars (C-FLYL), flown by Coulson from Sproat Lake, British Columbia until 2016.
When and where were these photos taken?
Air-to-air over Vancouver Island — the Beaufort Range and Comox Glacier — as the Hawaii Mars departed Sproat Lake on 10 August 2024, photographed from the Short Skyvan photoship. It was a day before the aircraft's final flight to the BC Aviation Museum on 11 August 2024, so these are among the last air-to-air images of a Mars in flight.
Can I license these images?
Yes. Every image is available to license for editorial and commercial use, or to order as a museum-quality fine-art print, with full-resolution files delivered on approval. Get in touch for a specific frame or usage.
Who photographed them?
Aviation PhotoCrew, the world-renowned air-to-air team represented exclusively by Piemags Aviation, shooting from their Short Skyvan photoship. Enquire about flying on a photomission.
