Today the U.S. Forest Service announced they intend to award contracts to five companies for a total of seven next-generation air tankers. The companies with winning bids were Minden, Aero Air (aka Erickson Aerotanker), Aero Flite, Coulson, and 10 Tanker Air Carrier.
More information is at Fire Aviation.
Thank you Wildfire Today for staying with this story. Who knows what part of your awarness helped to “push” forward the powers- in-charge to FINALLY make something happen. Triva: 1976, Nevada BLM contract, DC-4, $742 hour wet, $742 availablity per day, coverage on seventh day $1100. I hope that these new gen contracts reflect seven day coverage. Its time to put the horse and buggy away. Thanks again Dr. Gabbert, continued success.