Aerial firefighting has come a long way since its inception. In the early days, planes were used to drop water or fire retardant on the flames from above. Over time, aerial firefighting has become an indispensable tool in combating wildfires and protecting communities. Using aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing planes, has revolutionized how wildfires are managed and controlled. Over the years, technological advancements and strategic planning have led to more efficient and effective aerial firefighting tactics. In this article, we will explore the evolution of aerial firefighting, from the early days of helicopter experimentation to the modern use of waterbombers. Join us as we review the history, equipment, and strategies that have shaped the field of aerial firefighting.
Early Days of Aerial Firefighting
Aerial firefighting has a storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1940s, during World War II, Sikorsky delivered helicopters to various military branches. These early models were not initially recognized for their potential in firefighting operations. However, organizations like Ontario Canada's Department of Lands and Forests (DLF) saw the value in utilizing helicopters for experimental purposes on wildland fires.
In 1943, the DLF inquired about purchasing a helicopter for firefighting, but their request was denied due to limited availability. Meanwhile, the British Columbia Forest Service also explored the practicality of using helicopters for moving firefighters and gear into mountainous areas affected by lightning fires. The potential of helicopters for wildfire operations was slowly being recognized, but it would take time for their actual value to be realized.
The Rise of Helicopter Firefighting
By the mid-1940s, the use of helicopters for wildfire suppression started gaining traction. In April 1946, the US Forest Service and several other agencies in California witnessed an Army Sikorsky R5 performing firefighting operations. Although this early model had limitations in capacity, range, and cost, it marked a significant milestone in using helicopters for firefighting.
In May 1946, Bell Helicopters certified the world's first commercial helicopter, the Bell 47. This certification opened new possibilities for aerial firefighting. The following month, a Bell 47 was flown for the DLF on a geophysics survey, and during that flight, a Fire Protection Supervisor recognized the benefits of aerial observation. This flight marked the first use of a helicopter for wildland fire operations, showcasing the potential of helicopters in providing critical fire information from above.
As the summer of 1946 progressed, the Alaska Fire Service and the military utilized helicopters for fire surveys and mapping. These early experiments laid the groundwork for developing more advanced aerial firefighting techniques.
The Advancement of Waterbombers
While helicopters played a crucial role in the early days of aerial firefighting, the development of waterbombers brought about a new era in wildfire suppression. Airtankers, also known as waterbombers, are fixed-wing aircraft equipped with tanks that can be filled on the ground or by skimming water from bodies of water. Waterbombers allow for delivering large quantities of water or fire retardant to the fire zone.
In the 1940s, the United States Air Force and United States Forest Service experimented with military aircraft dropping water-filled bombs on wildfires. However, this method proved ineffective, and internal water tanks became preferred. Various aircraft have been modified and repurposed as waterbombers, including the Grumman S-2 Tracker, Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and Lockheed P-3 Orion.
One of the largest aerial firefighting aircraft in operation today is the Boeing 747 Supertanker. With a capacity of 19,600 US gallons, it can deliver a significant amount of water or fire retardant to the fire zone. The Supertanker has been deployed globally, including in high-profile incidents such as the Amazon rainforest fires in 2019.
Resource Planning and Operational Readiness
Effective aerial firefighting requires careful resource planning and operational readiness. Agencies and organizations must consider many factors when developing their fire management plans. Factors such as airport infrastructure, water sources, fire season timing, land status, and the availability of suppressants or retardants all play a role in determining the appropriate aerial firefighting resources needed.
Conair, a prominent aerial firefighting service provider based in Canada, dramatically emphasizes comprehending the agency's requirements and the specific conditions of the targeted region. By establishing long-term exclusive-use contracts, Conair guarantees the presence of appropriate resources precisely where and when they are needed. This strategic approach ensures the availability of aerial assets and promotes seamless collaboration between firefighting agencies and aerial firefighting service providers.
Operational readiness is another critical aspect of aerial firefighting. Sikorsky, a prominent manufacturer of firefighting helicopters, highlights the importance of investing in aerial firefighting assets in advance. The delivery lead time for a new Firehawk helicopter can range from 18 to 24 months, and pilot and maintainer training should be factored into the preparation. By prioritizing preparedness and training, agencies can ensure they are equipped to respond effectively to wildfires.
Technological Advances and Training
Advancements in technology have greatly enhanced the capabilities of aerial firefighting aircraft. Sikorsky's S-70i Firehawk, for example, is a third-generation Black Hawk helicopter specifically designed for aerial firefighting. Equipped with a newly designed water tank system, the Firehawk can carry up to 1,000 gallons of water and operate at high speeds to quickly deliver water to the fire zone. The development of advanced water tank systems, extended landing gear, and retractable snorkels has improved the efficiency and effectiveness of aerial firefighting.
In addition to technological advancements, training is crucial for both pilots and ground firefighters. A comprehensive training program ensures that aerial firefighting crews understand the role of aerial resources and the details of the firefighting chemicals being used. Communication and coordination between ground and aerial firefighting teams are also emphasized in training to ensure safe and efficient firefighting operations. Enhanced distributed simulation training is being utilized to prepare pilots for the challenges of escalating fire behavior.
Nighttime Aerial Firefighting
Traditionally, aerial firefighting operations have been limited to daytime due to safety concerns and civil aviation regulations. However, advancements in technology and training have paved the way for nighttime aerial firefighting. Nighttime operations can offer unique advantages, as winds tend to die down, humidity increases, and visibility improves. With night vision goggles and enhanced visibility systems, helicopter crews can effectively combat wildfires at night, gaining an edge on the fire.
Israel's Elbit Systems has developed the Hydrop system, which enables high precision, computed launches of biodegradable liquid pellets from altitudes of 500 to 2,000 feet. This system allows for safe and certified nighttime flight operations, significantly expanding the operational contribution of aerial firefighting. By launching liquid pellets in a computed ballistic trajectory, precise hits can be achieved, saturating the fire zone with fire-retardant substances.
Continuous Improvement and Future Prospects
The field of aerial firefighting continues to evolve, driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. Enhanced visibility systems, automated flight following, and high-flow rate retardant delivery systems are just a few examples of advancements being explored and integrated into firefighting operations. These technologies aim to improve safety, increase effectiveness, and improve wildfire suppression efforts' outcomes.
Sikorsky is investing in autonomy technology to enhance the safety of nighttime firefighting operations. By incorporating sensors and algorithms, helicopters can detect obstacles that may not be visible to the human eye and provide recommended safe flight paths. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce instances of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) and improve overall safety in aerial firefighting.
As the world faces increasing challenges from wildfires, the importance of aerial firefighting cannot be overstated. The evolution of helicopters and waterbombers, along with advancements in technology and training, has revolutionized how wildfires are managed. Through careful resource planning, operational readiness, and continuous improvement, aerial firefighting agencies and organizations can better protect communities and preserve natural landscapes.
Conclusion
Aerial firefighting has come a long way since its early days of helicopter experimentation. Using helicopters and waterbombers has become essential in combating wildfires and protecting lives and property. Through strategic planning, technological advancements, and comprehensive training, aerial firefighting agencies are better equipped to respond to wildfire incidents.
As we reflect on the evolution of aerial firefighting, it is clear that continuous improvement and innovation will shape the future of this field. Investing in new technologies, enhancing operational readiness, and fostering collaboration between agencies and service providers will further improve our ability to combat wildfires and protect our communities. The journey of aerial firefighting is far from over, and we must remain committed to staying at the forefront of this critical endeavor.
