City of Richmond
Martin Mars - The World’s Largest Flying Tanker Visits Richmond
18 February 2010One of the world’s two remaining Martin Mars water bombers is coming to Garry Point Park on February 23 and 24. In its full red and white trim, the aircraft will show off its massive simple beauty, demonstrate its fire-fighting capabilities and let you see for yourself why it’s called the world’s largest flying tanker.
“As part of Steveston Revealed, and in support of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Paint the Town Red campaign, we are proud to celebrate Richmond’s 100 years of powered flight by hosting aeronautical wonders—one with roots right here in Richmond,” says Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “And what a perfect time to do so when we are hosting the world’s best athletes at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.”
The public is invited to come out on Tuesday, February 23 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., to enjoy musical entertainment and a rare opportunity to welcome the bomber as it flies by Garry Point Park, located at 12011 7th Avenue in Steveston. Watch the aircraft demonstrate its water scoop and drop technique to fight forest fires, then see its water landing at around 3:30 p.m. Or come for the same demonstration on Wednesday, February 24 from 2 until 3 p.m. before the bomber departs.
Also attending will be family members and friends of “The father of the water bomber concept,” Daniel McIvor; the aircraft’s former engineer; and a team from the Coulson Group–owners of the two remaining Martin Mars water bombers.
Richmond is home of the Vancouver International Airport and British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Aerospace Campus. Besides being a Venue City for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Richmond is celebrating 100 years of powered flight in commemoration of the first Canadian powered aircraft flight west of Winnipeg, which took off from Minoru Racetrack in Richmond in 1910.
About the Martin Mars Water Bombers
The story of the creation of the water bomber begins in the 1950s when Richmond volunteer fire fighter, senior pilot and Burkveille resident, Daniel (Dan) Erskine McIvor’s vision, determination and ingenuity transformed Martin Mars World War II Navy planes into career water bombers, evolving planes from fire spotters to fire fighters.
In the late 1950s the four existing Martin Mars Navy Planes were purchase by a consortium of British Columbia timber company, while Dan McIvor successfully search for and bought spare parts and engines he knew would be crucial for operations.
Since the 1960s, these aircraft have been involved in fighting over 4,000 wildfires in British Columbia and abroad. In 2007, Coulson Aircrane Ltd of Port Alberni, British Columbia purchased the last two Martin Mars water bombers.
The Martin Mars Bomber has a wingspan of 61 metres (200 feet) and it is 36.6 metres (120 feet) long. It can be up in the air in 10 minutes and can scoop and hold 27,000 litres (7,200 gallons) of water at a time as well as hold 2,200 litres of foam fire fighting concentrate – enough for 21 drops. This is an impressive contribution in the fight against forest and wild fires. And to date, no other fire fighting aircraft has surpassed its capabilities.
Steveston Revealed
Steveston Revealed showcases the a series of events and highlights introducing this historical village to the world during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Savour dishes of fresh seafood and locally grown ingredients, be captivated by logger’s axe throwing and log rolling shows; welcome the world’s largest flying tanker in a fly by fire fighting demonstration, explore historic heritage treasures or stroll the artisan’s market . This is just the beginning of things to enjoy in Steveston Village.
For more information on Richmond Revealed visit www.richmond.ca/richmondrevealed.
