Seaplanes for Pacific littoral reinforcement

A strategic turn toward the Pacific could make large seaplanes more attractive because littoral forces must move people and equipment among dispersed positions. The thought experiment asks how much a modern aircraft the size of the Martin Mars could carry and what range newer engines might provide. Such an aircraft could transport a reinforced platoon or company of Marines or paratroopers with their equipment over long distances. It could land on the water, unload the force, and depart without leaving an airfield or aircraft landing marks on the sand. In this scenario, access to places without prepared aviation infrastructure could make seaplanes a necessity for rapid reinforcement.