OK, it’s not exactly a training film, but this 5-minute raw video can give you an idea of what it takes to install a Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) in a military C-130J. The military air tankers can help provide additional air tanker support for wildfires if all of the contracted large air tankers are committed.
The video was shot Sunday June 23, 2012 at the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, in Cheyenne, Wyoming as crews prepared two C-130 aircraft for missions in the Rocky Mountain Geographic Area.
Four of the aircraft became operational at Pueblo air tanker base on Monday and performed three drops on the Waldo Canyon fire since the first midday launch. As of 5:20 p.m. MT they were on hold due to poor visibility at the fire.
Thanks go out to Dick
There seems to be a big press push by the F.S. that it is bringing in the fire killing MAFFS, all two or three? I can imagine the media circus on the ramp at the airport. I have seen very good work by the MAFFS folks on new breaking fires (South Dakota seems ready). Get the MAFFS guys off the “county fair midway” assign a ASM and lead and go after those new breaking fires immediately. Three MAFFS seems to work well in the I.A. role. Do not wait four (4) days to take suppression action! This study is free to the taxpayer.
Johnny, HERE’s a photo of a little bit of the MAFFS media circus going on yesterday at Colorado Springs.
So, what’s new? Some tank division mops up, and the press say that it would be Armageddon if they weren’t there. That is what has and always will happen. You are however correct that they should be used for IA…. In fact ALL tankers should be used for IA.
Yes they should; Including 10 Tanker Air Carriers 2 DC-10s, T910 AND T911!
Hey Bill,
Great video. I also have a slight correction for you, all for MAFFS C-130s currently activated are C-130H models. The 146th airlift wing out of Channel Islands is the only unit using the MAFFS II system in a C-130J model. The easiest way to tell the difference between an H model and a J model is how many blades are on the props, the H models still have the 4 bladed props, the J models have the new 6 bladed props. I hope that helps. Keep up the great work. I check here daily.
Thanks Matt, that’s a surprise. I would have sworn that when the MAFFS was upgraded to the MAFFS II we were told that the only C-130 model it could work in was the “J” model.