Fire isn’t easily intimidated and has no reason to relent. It arrives without warning, expanding rapidly in size and scope. It endangers anyone and anything in its path. It destroys lives and landscapes with equal force. Its presence remains long after its flames are extinguished. Successfully defeating fire requires an asset that is agile enough to operate in compromised conditions, but proven enough to withstand the heat. Frontline responders need a resource that is ready and reliable — poised to fight anywhere, at any time, in any condition.
The LM-100J FireHerc brings the Super Hercules’ established performance advantages to firefighting. The FireHerc’s rugged design allows it to excel in supporting the low-level, low-speed firefighting mission profile like no other large air tanker in operation. Advanced flight deck avionics provide enhanced situational awareness and improved safety features to protect and guide flight crews through comprised flight conditions. The ability to support two different retardant dispersion solutions: the gravity-drop based Coulson Aviation RADS Product Line or the pressure-type dispersal Modular Aerial Firefighting System II (MAFFS II). A path to support night firefighting with advanced integrated technology, allowing responders to combat fires on an unprecedented 24/7 cycle providing an unmatched advantage against nature.
Born a Black Hawk, the Firehawk® helicopter relies on its proven military design to endure the unrelenting physical stresses demanded of the aerial firefighting and utility missions. The Firehawk platform takes on its unique mission set with the following modifications: a single pilot operated cockpit, a medically-configured interior, a 1,000-gallon belly water tank, extended landing gear and a rescue hoist. In this configuration, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department has proven the operational performance of its Firehawk helicopters since 2000 to save untold lives and properties. For 2018, the Firehawk platform will be based on Sikorsky’s S-70i helicopter variant, a third generation Black Hawk with increased engine power, speed, maneuverability, higher altitude operations and improved mission availability.
The FireHerc and the Firehawk provides just that – minimizing time spent in transport between water and fuel sources, and maximizing time spent at the fire. This aircraft’s game-changing capabilities push the boundaries of aerial firefighting and help operators ensure they bring people home – everywhere, every time. The FireHerc and the Firehawk also offers a path forward to deploying integrated technology to support night firefighting, allowing responders to combat fires on an unprecedented 24/7 cycle — providing an unmatched advantage against nature.
