Introducing Hawaii Mars PlaneTags, made from the authentic skin of one of aviation’s most legendary giants. The Martin JRM-3 Hawaii Mars was born in the final days of WWII, repurposed as a vital military transport, and later transformed into a high-capacity aerial firefighter that served North America for decades.

Before its final retirement and donation to the BC Aviation Museum, our team traveled on site and recovered original skin from spare components, preserving the legacy of this mighty seaplane for future generations.

OUR PLANE'S STORY

Originally designed by the Glenn L. Martin Company as a long-range patrol bomber, the Hawaii Mars II became one of the largest flying boats ever built. It was later retrofitted to carry 7,200 gallons of water, and for over 50 years, it was an essential part of aerial wildfire suppression across British Columbia and the western U.S. Only two Martin Mars aircraft remain today, making these PlaneTags not only rare, but a celebration of one of aviation’s most remarkable transformations.

The Hawaii Mars II wasn’t just big, it was essential. Once capable of delivering 7,200 gallons of water in a single drop, this colossal aircraft played a critical role in protecting communities and wildlands from devastating wildfires. For decades, it was a constant presence in the skies above British Columbia and the western U.S., fighting blazes that ground crews couldn’t reach.

Its ability to scoop a full load of water in just 22-30 seconds and return to the fireline made it a legend among aerial firefighters. Whether flying over remote mountains or gliding across lakes in front of awe-struck spectators, the Hawaii Mars became more than a firefighting tool; it became a symbol of resilience and ingenuity.

As the last of its kind to remain operational, its retirement marked the end of an era. But its legacy continues, now preserved in the form of these authentic PlaneTags, each one a tangible reminder of the aircraft’s heroic second life. Read more it on our blog: From Warbird to Water Bomber: The Epic Life of the Hawaii Mars

JRM-3 Hawaii Mars II C-FLYL

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: Glenn L. Martin Company
• Model: JRM-3 Hawaii Mars II
• BuNo: 76823
• Tail #: C-FLYL
• Crew: 4 (Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator/Radio Operator, and Flight Engineer; w/accomodations for relief crew) 
• Wing Span: 200 ft 0 in
• Length: 117 ft 3 in
• Height: 38 ft 5 in (afloat), 48 ft 0 in (beached)
• Firefighting Capability: 4x Internal Tanks Capable of Scooping 7,200 U.S. Gallons of Water in 22-30 seconds, and 600 U.S. Gallons of Foam

Performance:

• Max Range: 4,900 mi 
• Max Speed: 243 mph
• Cruise Speed: 187 mph
• Service Ceiling: 17,050 ft
• Empty Weight: 75,619 lb
• Max Takeoff: 162,000 lb
• Engine: 4x Wright R-3350 Duplex-Cyclone Radial Piston Engines

Hawaii Mars PlaneTags Details:

• Tail Number: BuNo 76823
• Type: Martin JRM-3 Mars
• Role: Transport flying boat / Water bomber
• First Delivered: 1945
• Service: U.S. Navy / Coulson Flying Tankers
• Final Status: Donated to the BC Aviation Museum in 2024
• Material: Aluminum aircraft skin
• Tag Size: Approx. 1.5 in x 3 in

Add It to Your “Giants of the Sky” Collection

Join the ranks of legendary aviation icons. The Hawaii Mars PlaneTag is a must-have for collectors of historic aircraft, firefighting memorabilia, or anyone who appreciates the grandeur of seaplane engineering. Here are some other PlaneTags you may enjoy.

• Boeing 747 (various tails) – The “Queen of the Skies” that revolutionized long-haul commercial aviation.
• Lockheed C-5 Galaxy (68-0213) – One of the largest military aircraft ever built, capable of carrying tanks, helicopters, and oversized cargo.

DISCLAIMER

Perfect Aviation Gift

PlaneTags are: 

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.