Helicopter 205 at McClellan. Photo by John Vogel 5-21-2020.Another new Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk has been delivered to CAL FIRE’s base at Sacramento McClellan Airport. John Vogel spotted it May 21, two weeks after Paul Filmer photographed it being flight tested at the Centennial, Colorado Airport. It is helicopter 205, N485DF, and “VINA” can be seen near the engines.
Thanks John!
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Vina is a CDF helitack base just north of Chico. It’s on a little hill within easy view of Highway 99. It’s a pretty little setting, surrounded by pastureland.
May 205 have a long and successful career there.
Are these new blackhawks army surplus or brand new from Sikorsky? Just curious.
Brand new. They may purchase as many as 12.
The one drawback I can see is it will be a challenge to land at some unimproved sites because of the clearance. But if they hover step, that won’t be an issue, just need a little wider safety circle. Overall, I’m a fan, especially with the tank, except for maybe the sticker price!
Wouldn’t it be cool if the federal agencies had updated aircraft too?
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