Who owns AirTanker?
Rolls-Royce Holdings
AirbusBabcock InternationalCobhamThales Group
AirTanker Services/Parent organizations
Where is AirTanker based?
AirTanker is one of the world’s most exciting aviation innovations and we offer a diverse range of roles withn our unique environment, based in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds.
What is a AirTanker?
Airtanker is a fixed-wing aircraft that can carry fire retardant or water and drop it on or in front of a fire to help slow the fire down. Helicopter is a rotary-wing aircraft that can be fitted with a tank or carry a bucket with water or fire retardant.
How much water does an AirTanker hold?
The turbofan-powered aircraft carry up to 12,000 US gallons (45,000 Liters) of water or fire retardant in an exterior belly-mounted tank, the contents of which can be released in eight seconds. Four air tankers are currently in operation, all DC-10-30 aircraft, with the call-signs Tanker 910, 911, 912 and 914.
What do air tanker do?
AirTanker is a flexible and responsive world leading aviation service provider. Our capability spans across end-to-end maintenance, military and civil flying programmes, training and major aircraft upgrades.
What is a Type 1 helicopter?
Type 1 helicopters are the largest, fastest flying and the most expensive helicopters used on wildland fires. They can typically carry 700 gallons of water or retardant via a bucket or a snorkel that fills an internal tank. Some Type 1 helicopters can also transport up to 15 personnel to an incident.
How do I become a tanker pilot?
CREW CHIEF QUALIFICATIONS
- 21+ years of age.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A.
- Tanker and Hazardous endorsement.
- Must be able to: Pass a 10-year criminal background check, together with a pre-employment drug screening and pass random drug tests. Pass DOT medical every year.
How do air tankers work?
Airtankers or water bombers are fixed-wing aircraft fitted with tanks that can be filled on the ground at an air tanker base or, in the case of flying boats and amphibious aircraft, by skimming water from lakes, reservoirs, or large rivers without needing to land.
What is a large air tanker?
Large Airtanker Large airtankers are sometimes referred to as “Next Gen” airtankers. They carry between 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of fire retardant or water in support of wildland firefighters on the ground. These aircraft are smaller than the VLAT and are more maneuverable.
Why was the 747 supertanker retired?
The 747 Supertanker was one of several aerial firefighting airtankers derived from various Boeing 747 models. The aircraft were rated to carry up to 19,600 US gallons (74,000 L) of fire retardant or water….
| 747 Supertanker | |
|---|---|
| First flight | 2006 |
| Introduction | 2009 |
| Retired | 2021 |
| Status | 1 747-400 converted to freighter (N744ST) |
Why can’t water bombers fly at night?
At night, temperatures drop, and humidity may rise, making water and/or retardant drops more potent against a raging fire. There are also fewer aircraft in the skies making it safer for operations.
What do air tankers drop on fires?
What fire crews are dropping on fires is called Phos-Chek, which is an 88% water-based retardant mixed with a non-toxic commercial grade fertilizer. It’s has a clay-based dye to make it visible from the air and on the ground.
Who is the airtanker and what does it do?
AirTanker Services, operating as AirTanker, is a British charter airline which operates charter flights using reserve aerial refuelling aircraft. In 2008 the Ministry of Defence signed the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) contract with AirTanker to provide the Royal Air Force (RAF) with an air transport and air-to-air refuelling capability.
When did the RAF start using airtanker aircraft?
In 2008 the Ministry of Defence signed the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) contract with AirTanker to provide the Royal Air Force (RAF) with an air transport and air-to-air refuelling capability.
Who are the members of the Airtanker consortium?
For additional revenue it operates air charter flights using reserve aircraft. It is a consortium of Airbus, Rolls-Royce plc, Cobham plc, Babcock International and Thales Group .
How many planes does airtanker have in the fleet?
AirTanker has a 27-year contract to provide fourteen aircraft: “core” fleet of nine aircraft – eight with military serials and one civilian registration – and a “surge” fleet of five civil registered aircraft which it uses for additional revenue. ^ “AirTanker’s first flight as an airline”.