[Mr. Jazzy]

That is great news!

I thought that the planes that had been cutup for scrap!

I'm glad to see these "Marvelous Monsters from Martin" are still flying!

You have made my day!

[TalonDJ]

It is heartwarming to see such a marvel of engineering still fulfilling a vital role this long after it was made.

[alfa6]

I had heard that Flying Tankers was retiring the two remainig MArtin Mars due to age buit a quick perusal of the web page did not say anything about retirement.

FWIW IIRC Flying Tankers or at least the originators of Flying Tankers picked up the 4 Mars at an auction in the early 1960's for the ungodly sum of about $50,00. Included in the sum was 4 Mars aircraft, a number of spare parts(like a small wharehouse) and most importantly several file cabinets full of the original drawings. One of the aircraft was relegated to spare parts duty to support the three flying Mars. The third Mars was destroyed in a fire while moored leaving the two remaing Mars to fly on as air attack tankers.
the Mars have a capability to carry 60,000lbs of water.

Regards

alfa6 :>}