BeechTalk - BT - C-FLYK Philippine Mars last flight 2 Pima Air & Space Museum

Username Protected · **Posted:** 10 Feb 2025, 21:28

The Mars was in and out of ADS-B range most of the trip after it got past Palm Springs. It was escorted from that area by a PB4Y-2 Privateer (N2871G owned by GossHawk Unlimited) to Lake Pleasant, AZ. It looks like there is a large boat ramp that could be used to get it disassembled.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tnjfSBVWJEuaSCFS8

https://gosshawkunlimited.com/projects/ ... privateer/

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 07:18

No visit to San Diego, too bad I had a friend all set to take some pictures.

https://www.timescolonist.com/local-new ... a-10209046

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 08:58

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 15:00

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 16:35

That video was stunning.

That's the last time anybody will see a Martin Mars fly.

Mike C.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 18:54

Username Protected wrote:

Frome the paint missing on the wing behind it, I'd say the #4 engine did not go gentle into that good night.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 19:06

Username Protected wrote:

That video was stunning.

That's the last time anybody will see a Martin Mars fly.

Mike C.

Yes, amazing video. And it may well be the last time anybody will see a four-engined flying boat fly. Truly the end of an era.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 23:08

Was talking to the lineman at Banning airport and he was treated to very, very impressive fly-by when they came thru. My hat is off to the pilot and crew, they did this right. Not only did they complete the mission safely but they had a little fun and shared the love as they went about taking care of business. :bow:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2025, 23:41

Username Protected wrote:

And it may well be the last time anybody will see a four-engined flying boat fly.

Well, it depends on what you mean by 4 engines.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShinMaywa_US-2

Attachment:

shinmaywa-us2-flying-boat.png

It has 4 propulsion engines (4592 HP each!) and one "lift" engine (1364 HP), so it that 4 or 5 engines? I'd count it as four, since that is what you see.

This makes the Shinmaywa US2 have about double the power of the Martin Mars.

Shinmaywa US2 is about 120,000 lbs, Martin Mars is 90,000 lbs max weights, so the power to weight ratio is impressive for the Shinmaywa US2. The Martin Mars is almost double the wing span, but half the speed.

The short takeoff and landing distances of the Shinmaywa US2 are incredible, under 1000 ft is possible.

Mike C.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 12 Feb 2025, 00:27

Thanks. I’d forgotten about those magnificent beasts! I was thinking of Kermit Weeks’ Sunderland as a possibility, but I’m skeptical that we’ll see that one flying.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 12 Feb 2025, 23:47

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2025, 07:10

Very nice video. Cool seeing all the Coulson equipment, they are one of my customers.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2025, 11:58

Nice. Thanks for all the videos, Bruce. A beautiful sky at sunset, how appropriate. :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Feb 2025, 14:14

My lab is at Alameda and just as we headed outside to walk to lunch, the Mars took off and flew right over our heads. Amazing to see. (sadly only had a cell phone so the pictures were useless)

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Feb 2025, 14:49

It's going to be so sad to watch the Philippine Mars get disassembled for transportation but the end result will be at least long term preservation at the museum.