i know its an old thread, but why not? The Martin Mars can drop 7200 gallons
in one
go. You
don't need to be precise with that sorta load. And have you seen a mars? They
make
the C-54 look
small.

Martin Mars drops water on a fire, which is different than dropping retardant
along the flanks and head of the fire.

Precision is often needed because of working in close proximity to ground
resources. The Mars drops a lot of water on hot areas of the fire. Its just a
different kind of resource than a retardant dropping tanker.

A 747 tanker can have a role, but a big part of forest fire suppression is
about getting there soon with aircraft based nearby, rather than having to send
aircraft from across the country



Ron
Tanker 65, C-54E (DC-4)
Silver City Tanker Base