Launching a Martin Mars waterbomber from land at the bomber base into the water at Sproat Lake, BC, takes quite a bit of coordination. It also takes about 90 minutes to get the plane into the water.
With a length of 100 feet, a wing span of 200 feet and a gross weight of 79, 378 kilograms (175,000 pounds), crews take their time to ensure the aircraft's nose is pointed straight down the ramp into the water.