Welcome to another episode of Warbird Wednesday! Today, we’re discussing the Martin JRM Mars flying boat. It had its first flight in 1942 and was introduced in 1943. It was not retired from military service until 1956, making it one of the super heavy aircraft with the longest career. The philosophy at the time for all of these bigger flying boats was to create a large aircraft for transporting troops and cargo over long distances without the need for runways. Only seven Martin JRM Mars aircraft were built due to a low production rate, and they were later repurposed as firebombers after military retirement. The other 13 on the production line did not make the cut.