The last functional Martin Mars water bomber is on its way to an Arizona museum today.
The Philippine Mars took off from Sproat Lake this morning around 9:30, did a farewell loop over Port Alberni, and headed south to San Francisco to go through customs. Afterwards it will head to San Diego, then to a water landing somewhere near Tucson (too-sawn), Arizona.
The plane will be partially disassembled and transported to the Pima Air and Space Museum, where it will be a permanent display.
Earlier this year the Hawaii Mars was taken to the BC Aviation Museum where it is part of a new display about firefighting in BC.
Only seven of the planes were ever built, and only two remain, preserved as permanent museum attractions.
