CAL FIRE’s new S-70i. Photo provided by CAL FIRE.CAL FIRE posted these photos today of a new addition to their fleet of helicopters.
A year ago the agency received approval to purchase up to 12 new firefighting helicopters, Sikorsky S-70i (Firehawks) from United Rotorcraft. These will replace its aging fleet of 12 Super Huey helicopters.
CAL FIRE’s new S-70i. Photo provided by CAL FIRE.United Rotorcraft reported on October 26, 2018 that it had a contract from CAL FIRE for 12 Firehawks, worth a total of $240 million.
United Rotorcraft is also outfitting various configurations of Firehawks for Ventura County, San Diego Fire Rescue Department, and Los Angeles County.
Firehawks can carry up to 1,000 gallons of water in a belly tank while cruising fully loaded at 130 knots (150 mph), or 150 knots (173 mph) unloaded.
4 Comments
Nice! Will it carry the same size hand crew or will Cal Fire expand the crew?
Firehawk configuration does not modify crew capacity. It was designed to maintain a multi-mission capability.
Thanks, David
Backwash on these are tremendous. While assigned to military unit during firefighting operations in Idaho, short haul of injured soldier caused fire spreading to unburned fuels. Going to have to get use to.
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