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Forest Service Seeks Faster Firefighting Tankers

February 10, 2012 9:46 PM

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U.S. Forest Service, Wildfires

DENVER (CBS4)- The U.S. Forest Service says it plans to replace its wildfire-fighting fleet of aging air tankers with newer, faster, more cost-effective large air tankers.

The Forest Service today recommended that the next generation of large air tankers be powered by turbine engines, have a minimum cruise speed of 345 mph, and be able to carry at least 1,800 gallons of mixed retardant without having to return to a base.

It’s unclear how quickly new planes will come on line.

The agency uses a mix of aircraft to support firefighters on the ground. But its fleet of 11 large air tankers, owned and operated by private contractors, is at least 50 years old. More than half face mandatory retirement in the next decade.

William W. Choate, PE

Re. Firefighter tankers. Suggest KC-97. During the Cold War we could get it
airborne in 8 minutes, rapid and massive response being the key to fire control.
By 1967 there had not been a single write-up at any SAC Base for more than
a year. They are stored now at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ. By its boom directed
at the flame line instead of dumping retartant in the sky, surfactant treated
water can be delived at 300 gpm,, much greater than by ground crews, even
though there are trucks with 1500 gpm capacity which are not being used.
At least, the KC-97 ought to be tested, and videoed for evaluation..