When the world’s largest aircraft could no longer take to the skies, a Western Star truck stepped up for the final journey.

In May 2025, the 76,000-pound World War II-era Philippine Mars flying boat (one of the last of its kind) was retired and relocated to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona. The 150-mile journey was powered by a Western Star 49X, known in the industry for its strength and durability.

This marks the second time a Western Star has helped preserve aviation history. In 2024, a Western Star 4900EX hauled another Mars-series aircraft, the Hawaii Mars, to an aviation museum in Victoria, British Columbia.

Overcoming the Challenges of a Flying Giant

The Mars aircraft are massive, with a 200-foot wingspan. After WWII, they became aerial firefighting legends capable of scooping and dropping more than 7,000 gallons of water.

Boneyard Safari, which specializes in historic aircraft transport, partnered with Southwest Industrial Rigging to move the Philippine Mars. Southwest provided the 49X heavy-haul truck, handling a load that measured more than 140 feet from bumper to tail and weighed a combined 177,000 pounds.

“We started this project on February 10, 2025, when we met the Philippine Mars on Lake Pleasant in Arizona,” said Aaron Goldstein, marketing director for Southwest Industrial Rigging. “Extracting her from the water and preparing her for the journey was a massive undertaking. Once she was ready, we relied on our 49X for the long haul to the museum.”

The convoy moved exclusively at night to reduce traffic impacts. With police escorts and utility crews on hand, the team carefully navigated the route at an average speed of 25 mph over five nights.

“Our Western Star 49X helped ensure the transport was a piece of cake for the entire entourage,” Goldstein said. “We owned the road every night, and although the route was determined early on, some last-minute changes to avoid low powerlines didn’t slow us down.”

A Legacy of Reliability

Southwest Industrial Rigging has relied on Western Star trucks for more than 45 years. Founder Harry Baker has long valued their dependability and heavy-haul capabilities.

“We’ve continued to purchase Western Star trucks as our fleet expanded, adding four new 49X Series trucks to our heavy-haul division over the last few years,” Goldstein added.

Operators praised the 49X for its visibility, tight turning radius, and quiet cab, all critical features for navigating tight corners during overnight runs. The steel-reinforced aluminum cab, Quiet Steel sound-dampening materials, redesigned cab mounts, and ISO-Tech Hood Suspension all help reduce noise and vibration, minimizing driver fatigue.

“When we heard the Philippine Mars would be transported by a Western Star truck, we were honored,” said Alex Martin-Banzer, Western Star brand manager. “To have played a part in the final journeys of two historic Mars aircraft is a point of pride for the Western Star brand and product.”

With the Western Star 49X leading the way, this historic convoy didn’t just deliver an aircraft, it delivered a legend.

Dig Deeper into Western Star

For more insights into Western Star and the stories behind the people, trucks, and innovation driving the brand forward, explore:

• More Than a Competition: Inside the 2025 Star Nation Experience

• DTNA Hits 850K Trucks at Cleveland Plant

• Truck Chat: Trucks, Tours & Tips — Touring DTNA’s Safety Features on a Western Star 47X