A Big, Big, Piece of Aviation History Draws Crowds on Arizona Roads

A big, big, piece of aviation history draws crowds on Arizona roads

By Craig Smith Click here for updates on this story     TUCSON, Arizona (KGUN) — A big — really big — piece of aviation history has been crawling along Pima County roads the past few days. It’s part of the largest flying boat that ever made regular flights The Martin Mars Flying boat is so big, crews wait until the evening hours to move it. It’s hard to convey on camera just how large the plane is. It recalls a quote from a pilot who flew anothe…

Historic WWII flying boat arrives at Pima Air and Space Museum in Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - The historic Philippine Mars, a flying boat built during World War II, is now resting comfortably at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. The Philippine Mars began its journey to the museum back in February. It finally arrived at its new home after landing in Arizona's Lake Pleasant from Canada. The large aircraft arrived at the museum on a large truck late Friday night. It was a difficult, long jour…

Watch Highlights of WWII Naval Warbirds at the 2025 Wings, Tracks, and Wheels at Planes of Fame Museum

Celebrating Naval Aviation HistoryThe 2025 Wings, Tracks, and Wheels event at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California, featured a special tribute to World War II naval aircraft. Known for honoring military aviation and history, this annual event included tanks, classic vehicles, and warbirds in flight. One of the highlights of the day was the flying demonstration of aircraft once used by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during the war. …

Mars Makes It To Pima Museum

Philippine Mars, one of two surviving JRM Martin Mars flying boats finished its four-month journey to the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona early Saturday. The final leg of the trip was a 150-mile highway trek from Lake Pleasant, north of Phoenix. The plane was flown from Vancouver Island to Lake Pleasant in early February and has been dismantled at the boat launch at the lake. The engines, tail and wings were removed and shipped to t…

World War II flying boat arrives at Pima Air & Space Museum

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – After a long journey, the Philippine Mars—a flying boat from World War II—has finally arrived at the Pima Air and Space Museum. Within the museum are pieces history, a catalogue of technological artifacts and major events that span over centuries. The Philippine Mars is the latest addition to the museum’s storied collection. The ship carried troops and equipment during World War II, and is one of only two surviving vess…