9-Mar-2022Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), and United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, today signed a marketing teaming agreement that formalizes how both companies will collaborate to meet growing global interest in the S-70™ FIREHAWK® helicopter. The agreement will enable the team to identify demand, and more quickly build and configure new... Read more
28-Feb-2022Source: Milestone Aviation
The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), the global leader in helicopter leasing, has partnered with Australian fire-fighting equipment designer, Helitak Firefighting Equipment Pty Ltd (“Helitak”), to develop a new mission for the Sikorsky S-92A as a next-generation, multi-purpose fire-fighting platform. As the largest owner of the S-92A, Milestone worked closely with Helitak to develop the... Read more
21-Jan-2022Source: Helitak
Arista Aviation Services (Arista) and Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment (Helitak) have entered into a Cooperation Agreement to modify and provide aerial firefighting helicopters with expandable underbelly fire suppression tanks. As a leader in Sikorsky Black Hawk UH-60 airframe modifications, Arista retrofits different configurations, including the aerial firefighting platform and views the Helitak FT4500 as a... Read more
19-Jan-2022Source: AvSax
Many air ambulance helicopters in the UK are now carrying a specialist piece of equipment to help keep the crew, patients and aircraft safe in the event of a fire or even an explosion. More than 20 helicopters are operated by specialist aerial emergency medical services (EMS) company Babcock and following a detailed look into... Read more
15-Dec-2021
Experts agree that there will be above-normal temperature conditions and below-normal rainfall, which implies that the fuel – the vegetation – will have much drier characteristics and this evidently contributes to a greater frequency and extension of forest fires that will break out in the central-southern area of the country. Faced with this worrying forecast,... Read more
19-Nov-2021Source: Bell
Helitrans Pyrinees S.L. took delivery of its first Bell 429 in March 2021. Renowned for its class-leading capabilities and flexible platform, the Bell 429 has enabled the Spanish operator to expand into special missions such as search and rescue (SAR) and firefighting. “The 429 was an easy decision for us. The spacious cabin, impressive mountain... Read more
17-Nov-2021Source: Kestrel Aviation
Following on from its multi-award-winning success in developing an effective night firebombing helicopter program in partnership with the Victorian Government, Kestrel Aviation has now achieved another significant milestone on its journey to providing around-the-clock aerial firefighting capability that protects Australian communities. Following six years of development with local agency stakeholders, and the Australian Civil Aviation... Read more
16-Nov-2021Source: Russian Helicopters
The upgraded Ka-32A11M firefighting helicopter produced by the JSC Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) took off for the first time and began flight tests. The machine fitted with new engines, radio-electronic equipment and fire-extinguishing system is to undergo preliminary and certification tests in 2022-2023, after which it will be available for Russian and... Read more
3-Nov-2021Source: Babcock
This year Babcock the aerospace, defence and security company has flown more than 5,500 missions and more than 11,000 flight hours across its global leading aerial firefighting and fire prevention operation, dropping approximately 200 million litres of water to fight wild-fires in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Canada. With more than 35 years of experience in... Read more
19-Oct-2021Source: US Forest Service
This past Saturday, the last remaining USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest (Region 5) Firewatch Cobra Program Viet Nam War-era helicopter took its final flight as we transition to a new era of aerial supervision utilizing modern helicopters and implement modern technologies like fixed-wing aircraft to service a larger landscape. . Additionally, Region 5 has stood... Read more
15-Oct-2021Source: HeliHub.com
The Romanian Government has announced the results of a helicopter tender, although like many such processes, it is already subject to an appeal from an unselected bidder. The requirement was for up to twelve medium/heavy helicopters, to be operated by Serviciul Mobil de Urgență, Reanimare și Descarcerare – fortunately known by its SMURD initials –... Read more
6-Oct-2021Source: Ecocopter
The commune of Til Til is on red alert due to the voracious forest fire in the area, where there are five helicopters and four airplanes flying over the area to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading. In addition to this, there is the Los Vilos fire, active since Monday. Climate change, the... Read more
26-Aug-2021Source: Greek City Times
Greek industrial company Mytilineos SA has sourced from Australia 4 fully equipped fire fighting helicopters to help bring under control the fires that have been raging in Greece in recent weeks. The company said in a statement this week that it was bringing to Greece four Bell 214 BI helicopters and a crew of 20... Read more
19-Aug-2021Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters last month signed a contract partnering with CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. to provide two (2) Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinooks for firefighting and external load operations in Turkey. The contract encompasses the fire season and marks Columbia’s first operation in the country. CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. is the original awardee of the contract with... Read more
17-Aug-2021Source: United Rotorcraft
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) announced today the signing of a contract with United Rotorcraft, a division of Air Methods Corporation, to complete and deliver a Sikorsky S70i FIREHAWK® helicopter. Configured by United Rotorcraft with a 1,000-gallon water tank attached to the belly of the aircraft, an extended landing gear to... Read more
4-Aug-2021Source: EHang
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world’s leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, announced that EHang AAVs including EH216F (firefighting model), EH216 and Falcon B Series were utilized in the recent UAV fire rescue drill in Laixi City, Qingdao, in Shandong Province, China to collaborate with the local Emergency... Read more
15-Jul-2021Source: EHang
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world’s leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, today announced it has successfully completed the technical examination of its EH216F AAV, the firefighting model, by the China National Fire-Fighting Equipment Quality Supervision Testing Center (“NFFE”) as entrusted by the Company. The NFFE is a... Read more
12-Jul-2021Source: HeliHub.com
Yesterday saw two twin-turbine helicopters have accidents in Spain. In the early hours of the morning, a Customs AS365N3 Dauphin operated by Eliance was chasing a boat crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, suspected of drug running. No details have yet been released as to the circumstances of how the helicopter ended up in the water. ... Read more
11-Jul-2021
Firefighting helicopter had just completed water pickup when it lost power and descended into a lake – see video of incident. 2 POB out OK and rescued. Helicopter was involved in fighting a fire at Cinco Villas... Read more
7-Jul-2021
Firefighting helicopter ditched into Lake Shastina, from where it was picking up water. US Forest Service reported that the pilot was able to swim/walk away... Read more
1-Jul-2021Source: HeliHub.com
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has announced that they have received an order from Fukuoka City for the five-bladed H145 (aka BK117 D3) for firefighting and disaster prevention . This is the Japanese manufacturer’s first order for a D3 in the firefighting / disaster prevention role, something Japan is well known for. Fukuoka City Fire Department Fire... Read more
21-Jun-2021Source: Fire Aviation
The first female permanently-hired firefighting pilot employed by the state of California has filed a gender discrimination lawsuit after being fired by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). See Full Story.... Read more
15-Jun-2021
Firefighting helicopter made heavy landing under adverse wind conditions. The aircraft spun right about 120 degrees on landing, and rolled to the left, caught fire and burned out. Before catching fire, all 5 POB were safety evacuated from the aircraft. Helicopter was working the Deep Creek fire.... Read more
8-Jun-2021Source: Helitak
Continual Research and development leads to new evolution of airborne firefighting tank technology to aid in accurate and faster dispersal of water onto bushfires. In 2018, the Helitak FT4500 Fire Tank underwent rigorous flight-testing and trials in conjunction with High Performance Helicopters (HPH) in California. The tank received 8110-3 Major Alteration approval in early 2020... Read more
20-May-2021Source: VIH Helicopters
VIH Helicopters has successfully developed a technologically advanced power fill bucket for utilization with their fleet of Sikorsky S61 and Kamov KA-32A11BC helicopters on aerial wildfire suppression applications. Drawing on expertise from Kawak Aviation Technologies and from within VIH’s operations and engineering teams, VIH’s power fill bucket is capable of filling at a rate of... Read more
13-May-2021Source: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters (part of Rostec State Corporation) will present a modernized Ka-32A11M fire-fighting helicopter at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon, held in Zhukovsky near Moscow in July. Ka-32 modernization program includes a glass cockpit with an avionics system, more powerful VK-2500PS-02 engines and a new fire extinguishing system. “Ka-32 is recognized all over... Read more
10-May-2021Source: S.A.F.E. Structure Designs
S.A.F.E. Structure Designs is pleased to offer a complete product line of ECO CAF Fire Suppression Equipment for Helicopter operations support and various other applications. Fire Suppression equipment is a critical component of any maintenance facility. ECO CAF equipment is available from S.A.F.E. in portable 3 gallon units all the way up to 60 gallon... Read more
6-May-2021Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters (Columbia) and Aurora Flight Sciences (Aurora), a Boeing Company, this week entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore the design, integration, testing, and demonstration of an enhanced pilot situational awareness (EPSA) degraded visual environment (DVE) flight capability on a Columbia helicopter to be used for aerial wildland fire suppression. Since aerial... Read more
6-May-2021
The National Economic Prosecutor’s Office (FNE) filed a complaint before the Competition Tribunal (TDLC) against three helicopter companies in the forest firefighting market, as well as two executives who facilitated the coordination and execution of anti-competitive agreements. The corporations are Calquín Helicopters SpA (Calquín), Inaer Helicopter Chile S.A. (Inaer), and Pegasus South America Servicios Integrales... Read more
21-Apr-2021
Firefighting helicopter ditched in a lake. Copilot was found unconscious in 10m of water, transferred to hospital in Cheongju, but died. Pilot survived Pictured here two days later during the recovery task. [segye image]... Read more
14-Apr-2021
In a detailed press release under the brief title of “Business Update”, Babcock International Group not only reaffirmed the sale of their offshore business, but also indicated that all aerial emergency services businesses are under review. The company admitted that the Avincis acquisition in 2014 has not delivered shareholder value with low returns on high... Read more
7-Apr-2021Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated is very pleased to announce that our firefighting contracts in the Hellenic Republic of Greece have been renewed for the 2021 fire season. During Erickson’s 21+ years of support to the Hellenic Fire Service, we have an impressive list of major achievements that include saving lives; supporting the 2004 Olympics; saving the Ancient... Read more
5-Apr-2021Source: Erickson
Erickson Incorporated, a worldwide leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, announces three new USFS Firefighting contracts for the upcoming 2021 wildfire season. The USFS cooperates with CAL FIRE, US Department of Interior agencies Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs, on aerial firefighting contracts. Erickson has been working... Read more
5-Apr-2021Source: Columbia Helicopters
Columbia Helicopters (Columbia) unveils its Multi-Mission Helicopter Program, featuring the proven Columbia Model 234 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, developed as a single platform solution to support customers’ multi-mission requirements. “With larger and more intense events taking place with increased frequency around the world, such as fires, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, demand is on the... Read more
26-Mar-2021Source: Colorado
We are pleased to announce that Governor Polis signed SB21-113-Firefighting Aircraft Wildfire Mgmt And Response, which enables the purchase of a new fire hawk helicopter that can quickly respond to and put out fires before they rage out of control, funds the Colorado Firefighting Air Corps Fund by allocating $38.8 million dollars to a new... Read more
23-Mar-2021Source: HeliHub.com
The Mexican Air Force has been trying to sell a number of Government aircraft for some years, and recently held the next attempt with an auction that closed on 4th March. In the sale were 19 aircraft, including six fixed wing – two Boeings, two Learjet 31s and two light Cessna twins. The other 13... Read more
12-Mar-2021Source: Tangent Link
The challenging year of 2020 has identified that international cross border cooperation related to the prevention of and the response to wildfires is more important than ever. With landscape firefighting missions moving through Europe, there’s no surprise that the pan-European rescEU Commission has recently received a significant investment boost to expand its aerial firefighting capability.... Read more
9-Mar-2021Source: Fire Aviation
The U.S. Forest Service (FS) is expecting to contract for 48 Type 1 helicopters for the 2021 wildfire season. These helicopters are the largest that are used for fighting wildfires and can carry between 700 and 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. See Full Story.... Read more
5-Mar-2021Source: HeliHub.com
The prefectures of Ehime and Yamaguchi have this week signed a Mutual Support Agreement regarding their helicopter operations. Under the agreement, each prefecture will be able to request support from the other for their firefighting and disaster prevention requirements. Ehime Prefecture operates a Kawasaki built EC145, while Yamaguchi Prefecture has a Leonardo AW169. Under the... Read more
18-Feb-2021Source: The Gazette
With Colorado coming out of its second-worst drought year since 2002 and with scant expectations for a better 2021, the state’s public agency that deals with wildfires is hoping a California solution could help tamp down the biggest wildfires in years to come — the Firehawk helicopter. See Full Story. ... Read more
9-Feb-2021Source: Millennium Post
The state Fire and Emergency Services department is planning to introduce helicopters in its fleet to strengthen the fire fighting mechanism. See Full Story.... Read more
27-Jan-2021
Remained upright in very heavy landing. Engine fire. Skids collapsed, boom detached. Pilot (only person on board) airlifted to Rancagua hospital Chilean Army photo from Twitter... Read more
26-Jan-2021Source: CHC
CHC has partnered with Avy and the North Holland North Safety Region (VRNHN) to jointly investigate how long-range drones can support the early detection of and the improved situational awareness during wildfires. Signing the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of CHC, Den Helder base manager, Quinten Hergaarden said, “We are delighted to be part of... Read more
4-Jan-2021Source: HeliHub.com
Just before the Chrstmas break, Sikorsky announced – but only on Twitter – that they will deliver a new S-92 to the Republic of Korea’s National 119 Rescue Headquarters. This aircraft will support firefighting and search & rescue missions. No time scale was given, but given that Sikorsky only seems to have delivered one new... Read more
7-Dec-2020Source: The Korea Bizwire
The National Fire Agency said Tuesday it will set up an integrated information system that will enable real-time transmission of video and voice data between firefighting helicopters and the situation room at each regional headquarters by February of next year. See Full Story.... Read more
2-Dec-2020Source: DynCorp International
DynCorp International (DI) has been awarded a new contract to continue supporting the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) aviation program. The program works as an invaluable teammate to suppress and control wildfires. Work will be performed at McClellan Park in Sacramento, California and aircraft are deployed across 13 air tactical and... Read more
30-Nov-2020
Firefighting operation – single occupant pilot died when helicopter went down in a water course, while taking on water for the firefighting process. Pilot named in government press release as Mauro Tadeu da Silva Oliveira... Read more
26-Nov-2020Source: Tangent Link
Aerial Firefighting Europe is scheduled to take place on 27 – 28 April 2021 in Nîmes, France with full support from Sécurité Civile. In light of the ongoing challenges surrounding COVID-19, the two-day conference agenda will take the format of showcase theatres and each will cover a specific theme. The program will discuss the challenges faced... Read more
19-Nov-2020Source: Daily Independent
The U.S. Forest Service has awarded a contract to a Scottsdale company to design and build a new helicopter base in northern Gila County to support firefighting activities. See Full Story. ... Read more
6-Nov-2020Source: HAI
There’s still time to sign up for the annual Aerial Firefighting Conference sponsored by Helicopter Association International (HAI). This year’s event is virtual—and free!—making it easy for aerial firefighters around the world to attend. The conference will take place Nov. 17–18, with sessions beginning at 4:00 pm eastern (UTC-5). Each day, HAI will present four... Read more
15-Oct-2020Source: Leonardo
Leonardo is pleased to announce that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has taken delivery of its first AW139 helicopter. The October 13 handoff included a small ceremony at Miami Executive Airport (TMB) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Officials from the County, including Mayor Carlos A. Giménez, spoke at the event. “As a former firefighter, I’ve been very impressed... Read more
13-Oct-2020Source: US Navy
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12 successfully tested, trained, and qualified their squadron and aircrew from three separate squadrons on the use of the Bambi Bucket to support aerial firefighting missions, if tasked, on the East Coast, Oct. 8. The MH-53E is the only rotary aircraft in the U.S. Navy with the capability to airlift... Read more
13-Oct-2020Source: Edison
Captain Greg Barta of the Orange County Fire Authority has been on the front lines of firefighting for 13 years. He has one word to describe the 2020 fire season to date: “Explosive.” “None of us are used to fighting fires during a pandemic, which is putting a strain on our resources, but we’re rising... Read more
7-Oct-2020Source: Dauntless Air
The U.S. Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), recently released the results of the Aerial Firefighting Use and Effectiveness (AFUE) Study. The nationwide, multi-year AFUE study was chartered by the Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management Program to answer a pivotal question given the growing U.S. wildfire threat: “What are the... Read more
22-Sep-2020Source: US Dept of Defense
The Wyoming Army National Guard’s G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment was activated by Gov. Mark Gordon Sept. 10, to provide support for firefighting efforts in California. One UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and four crew members left Thursday and will be operating from Mather Airport near Sacramento. The helicopter and crew are expected to... Read more
21-Sep-2020Source: Baden-Württemberg
[electronic translation] The Baden-Württemberg police received new external extinguishing containers for fire fighting from the air. Police helicopters can thus help put out forest fires faster, more effectively and more safely. “The drought of recent years has increased the risk of forest fires in our forests. The fire brigades in the country are well equipped to... Read more
27-Aug-2020Source: Euramec
Euramec, the European flight simulation solution providers team up with Australia’s GeoSim to deliver Vulcan, a unique aerial firefighting simulation solution. “Development of the GeoSim Vulcan Firefighting Simulation solution was already well under way before these devastating wildfires in Australia in 2019,” Charles Du Plessis, MD GeoSim explained. “Our country is a on the frontline... Read more
24-Aug-2020Source: European Rotors
Forest fires are no longer private issue of southern Europe. Climate change and the increasing awareness of the general public about the economic and social value of nature have brought forest fires to headlines in all the continent. In 2019, forest fires caused the burning of an area of 174.924 hectares in Europe, and the... Read more
24-Aug-2020
Pilot killed in firefighting accident. Pilot named here as Tom Duffy... Read more
24-Aug-2020
Tail rotor double delamination discovered during post flight inspection... Read more
19-Aug-2020
Crashed during firefighting operations. Pilot received fatal injuries – named here as Michael Fournier... Read more
14-Aug-2020Source: Wysong Enterprises
Wysong Enterprises announced that the company completed the conversion of an Eagle Copter 407 HP from a VIP transport aircraft to a firefighting aircraft for Helicopter Express. “The Eagle 407 HP is a very versatile aircraft, “ said Wysong Enterprises Sales Manager Paul Schreuder. “Because of its versatility, it was easy to convert the aircraft... Read more
7-Aug-2020Source: EHang
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) (“EHang” or the “Company”), the world’s leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, today announced the launch of the world’s first large-payload intelligent aerial firefighting solution. Based on its flagship product, this new firefighting version of EHang 216, “EHang 216F” is specially designed for high-rise firefighting. This launch further... Read more
29-Jul-2020Source: Volga-Dnepr
To combat seasonal fires, Volga-Dnepr Airlines delivered two helicopters from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Kuala Lumpur for PT Komala Indonesia. Both vehicles will actively participate in the fight against seasonal fires in Malaysia. Two Mi-8 helicopters, the total weight of which amounted to more than 20 tons, were transported along with spare parts, tools and accessories... Read more
26-Jul-2020
Blade strike while training in mountainous area. Helicopter continued take-off and departed location with rotor blade noise clearly “non-standard” Analysis of the helicopter’s tracks have suggested the date was 26-Jul-20 but this is not confirmed. Having been very active daily for two straight weeks, it was then not flying for four days. The video was... Read more
11-Jun-2020Source: Helinet
Helinet Aviation Services, one of the most diverse and respected helicopter companies in the United States, announces the addition of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to California’s aerial firefighting fleet. The former U.S. Army helicopter is on standby at Van Nuys Airport to assist with firefighting missions under call-when-needed contracts with the U.S. Forest Service and... Read more
21-May-2020Source: Kaman
Kaman Air Vehicles, a division of Kaman Corporation (NYSE: KAMN), announced the United States Forest Service (USFS) awarded 40 percent of all Type 1, large helicopters exclusive use contracts, to K-MAX helicopter operators. These four-year contracts ensure immediate resources are available to the USFS when the need for firefighting arises. “We are very excited to... Read more
18-May-2020Source: GHS
GHS’s recent move to our new company headquarters in Kirchanschöring has led to us being able to prepare and fly our helicopters from the home base and offer an air ambulance service as well as aerial firefighting services in Germany and neighboring countries The start of summer will inevitably mean that wildfires will become increasingly... Read more
6-May-2020Source: AHSAFA
As the 2020 fire season approaches, aerial firefighters are instituting more protective measures for their flight crews and mechanics who may be at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus during a wildland fire operation. “We are in unchartered territory,” said Robin Rogers, Vice-President of Rogers Helicopters in Fresno, California, “although we are following all the... Read more
9-Apr-2020Source: Coulson Aviation
New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has awarded the operation and maintenance of their recently acquired 412 fleet, as part of an existing 10-year contract with Coulson Aviation PTY. Coulson Aviation PTY has also moved its Australian headquarters from Melbourne to Bankstown, securing a 1,114 sq m hanger facility. The new Australian home-base... Read more
27-Mar-2020Source: American Helicopter Services And Aerial Firefighting Association
The US aerial firefighting industry remains mission-ready for this year’s wild land fire season, despite the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and the restrictions on international travel, as the industry increasingly seeks global market opportunities. “Wildfires are going to happen, and we need to be ready to fight them,” said Dan Snyder, Chief Operating Officer of Neptune... Read more
16-Mar-2020Source: DynCorp
CAL FIRE representatives attended the North American Aerial Firefighting Conference in Sacramento, California as the platinum sponsor. “The conference focused on global challenges in the aerial firefighting industry,” said Jeff Cavarra, CAL FIRE program director. “It explored new technology and lessons learned in the aerial firefighting community.” DynCorp International’s booth promoted our world-class aircrews, maintenance... Read more
16-Mar-2020Source: US Forest Service
A federal appeals court affirmed key rulings imposed by an Idaho judge to prevent the U.S. Forest Service from again illegally authorizing the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) to conduct helicopter-assisted wildlife-collaring operations in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Today’s ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit... Read more
3-Feb-2020Source: Axnes
Wireless intercom innovator and manufacturer Axnes has announced the recent delivery of a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Cal Fire S-70i Firehawk® helicopter equipped with the latest generation PNG wireless intercom system. Integrated by Firehawk® completion specialist, United Rotorcraft, the S-70i airframes are configured with internal audio integration and two MP50 handsets that... Read more
28-Jan-2020Source: Sikorsky
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) today recognized and thanked the County of Los Angeles Fire Department, the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue and the State of California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for their commitment to aerial fire-fighting operations with the S-70i™ Firehawk® helicopter. Each of the three fire services... Read more
