Rare Aircraft Answer Call To Assist Fighting CA Fires

Martin Mars Water Bomber, DC-10 Dispatched To Fight Blazes

In fighting the largest series of wildfires in his state's history, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vowed to use "every possible resource" to fight the blazes now raging in southern California. And two relatively rare aircraft have answered that call.

British Columbia-based Coulson Flying Tankers dispatched one of its vintage Martin Mars waterbombers to fight the blazes. The four-engined Navy seaplane -- originally used to ferry troops between San Francisco and Hawaii during World War II -- can dump as much as 7,200 gallons of water and retardant at a time.

"I know this plane can make a difference by dropping a huge wet blanket," company CEO Wayne Coulson told InsideBayArea.com.

The seaplane also offers a quick turnaround time, as it is able to refill its tanks while skimming the surface of a lake or ocean. The water then mixes with fire retardant chemicals. Cal-FIRE official Daniel Berlant said the Mars waterbomber "will be especially effective in coastal areas and near lakes."

Despite the mammoth size of the Mars -- exceeded only by the famed "Spruce Goose" -- Coulson adds the aircraft is also highly maneuverable.

The Mars' tanker capacity is exceeded only by a second rare aircraft also pressed into service fighting the California wildfires -- an experimental DC-10 tanker, converted for firefighting duty by Cargo Conversions LLC. That plane sports a 12,000-gallon capacity.

According to Cal-FIRE, Tanker 910 sports three separate external tanks mounted along the centerline, which can hold 50 tons of water or retardant and are balanced with baffles to prevent shifting while in flight. The tanks’ ground clearance is approximately 15 inches above the tarmac. The tanks can be re-filled concurrently on the ramp in eight minutes.

The converted DC-10 is fresh from repairs made following a brush with treetops in June. As ANN reported, the tanker sustained minor damage to the leading edge of its left wing, and to control surfaces including the aileron. The flight crew -- unaware the incident had occurred -- returned to base safely.

In addition to these two unique aircraft, another 25 air tankers and 40 helicopters are assisting firefighters on the ground in battling the intense fires fueled by the fierce Santa Ana winds.

FMI: www.fire.ca.gov, www.martinmars.com