A Western Star 49X truck was chosen to transport a World War II water bomber 250 kilometers to an aviation museum in Tucson, Arizona. Vehicle length: over 140 feet. Gross weight: more than 177,000 pounds, including 76,000 pounds for the aircraft itself.
Already in the 1940s, this “Mars” series aircraft was capable of dumping more than 7,000 gallons (26,600 liters) of water on fires breaking out on Allied battlefields.
Due to the size and complexity of this logistical operation, transport was carried out exclusively at night in order to minimize the impact of this truly extraordinary cargo on automobile traffic.
Civilian and police escorts ensured the security and smooth running of the convoy, which reportedly went off without a hitch.
“Every night the road was ours. And although the route was determined well in advance, some last-minute adjustments had to be made to avoid power lines slowing us down,” says Aaron Goldstein, marketing director for Southwest Industrial Rigging, which was selected for this historic transportation move.
Five nights were necessary to bring the giant of the air to safety, at an average speed of 40 km/h (25 miles per hour).
“Having played a role in the final journey of two Mars aircraft is an honor for the Western Star brand and product,” said Alex Martin-Banzer, truck brand director.
He talks about two planes because, in 2024, another plane of the same type was transported in a similar way by road to an aviation museum in Victoria, British Columbia, the province where the Western Star company was born before being integrated into the Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) group.
