The summer of 2021 sadly saw a significant prevalence of wildfires. These raging infernos can be dangerous and even life-threatening. As such, it is important that firefighting teams have the necessary tools to contain them as much as possible. One such method of containing these blazes is aerial firefighting, using ‘water bomber’ aircraft.’ Many water bombers are converted former commercial aircraft, but how do they make the switch?
The conversion
Commercial aircraft have plenty of space in which to store water or fire retardant compounds. However, the precise nature of aerial firefighting means that water bombers cannot simply use their existing cargo space for this purpose. As such, the conversion of a former airliner or freighter into a water bomber also requires structural modifications.
Specifically, these aircraft are fitted with specialist tanks for their new role. These can sometimes protrude beneath the fuselage, particularly in the case of smaller aircraft, as we shall explore later. Water bomber operators generally fill these tanks on the ground.
Certain amphibious designs can fill up on the move. They do so by skimming along bodies of water. As seen below, these tanks have hatches on their underside that can open and shut, allowing the aircraft to drop water onto blazes directly below them.
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The world’s largest water bomber
As seen above, a widebody water bomber like the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 makes for a spectacular sight when emptying its considerable tanks. However, the DC-10 is not the largest aircraft to have been used for this purpose. Indeed, two Boeing 747s, known as Supertankers, have also made use of their significant capacity to fight wildfires.
A third 747, based on the original -100 variant, was also touted for such a role, but never entered service. 2021 saw the last of the two active Supertankers retire from its role. It is now set to undergo a freighter conversion under the registration N744ST.
A new generation
There is certainly a majesty to the sight of water and fire retardant compounds pouring out of huge water bombers such as the 747 and the DC-10. However, size isn’t everything, and the next generation of aerial firefighting aircraft has a rather smaller feel to it.
Specifically, several ex-Flybe Dash 8 turboprops have found their way into water bombing. Canadian operator Conair announced earlier this year that it had purchased 11 of these regional aircraft with the intention of converting them to fight fires.
Here is ex Flybe G-KKEV now C-FFQG after it’s water bomber conversion. The aircraft still wears the majority of its Flybe livery! An awesome sight
📷- Kyle Clarkson https://t.co/AtGMLUQTQV pic.twitter.com/R7rkaIxUrp
— PlaneMadNews (@PlaneMad_News) May 21, 2021
Simple Flying reported in May 2021 that the first of these specially converted turboprops had entered service. They have been fitted with external water tanks. Conair claimed in an interview with Air Attack Magazine are easier to work with, as well as being more reliable than internal tanks. Its Director of Programs, Kristina Marsden, also explained that:
“Exporting the aircraft and dealing with different governments in terms of civil aviation authorities made the entire evolution extra complicated.”
Did you know how commercial aircraft are converted into water bombers? Have you ever seen one in action? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
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