Agricultural aircraft specialist Air Tractor (Static Display 65) is pushing the multirole mission capability of the new generation amphibious version of its firefighting air tanker during its pioneer appearance at Paris.
The Fire Boss Amphibious Air Tractor 802F is an initial-attack fire-suppression aircraft that can haul fire retardant and also scoop up water from nearby water sources, such as rivers, lakes and harbours.
Vicente Huerta Dominguez, manager of Avialsa, Air Tractor's exclusive distributor for Europe and North Africa, says this provides maximum operational flexibility in firefighting missions, where initial attack is essential.
He says: "The aircraft can operate in an observational and first strike role, to support firefighting efforts on the ground as well.
"Water can quickly be mixed with foam stored in the plane's floats and repeatedly dropped on the fire.
"The computer-controlled Air Tractor fire gate is without a doubt the best in the business."
The scoop control panel is conveniently located for observation at windscreen level, to provide information on angle of attack, foam transfer, auto-bilge and water-warning system, auto-fill probe retraction system and probe position indicators.
Fire Boss business development manager Andrew Wilson, who has flown several firefighting aircraft says, the 802F offers distinct advantages because of its ability to make precision drops, without having to release its fire retardant load all at once.
"As a pilot, I also have to liaise with the firefighters working at ground level, and it ensures I can avoid putting them in unnecessary danger during the drops," he says.
Amphibious
Dominguez says most of the 14 sales of the aircraft, with the amphibious kits from Wipline, have been made in Spain, where Avialsa is based, with two having gone to Canada.
Its extended range, boosted with fuel in the tanks for ferry flights, allows transatlantic delivery from the manufacturing base in Texas. In operational mode, the aircraft can scoop up a capacity of 820gal (3,100 litres) of water in 12 seconds, and has 5h endurance.
Source: Flight Daily News