CAL FIRE Firehawk, Moffett, S-70i, N477DF. Photo by Skippyscage at Centennial Airport, Englewood, CO, April 14, 2021.Skippyscage sent us photos of more Blackhawk helicopters that appear to be nearing completion at United Rotorcraft in Englewood, Colorado.
The CAL FIRE helicopter above, Helicopter 106, N477DF, is stenciled with “Moffett”, and may be destined for Moffett Field in California.
On April 12 we had a photo of Ventura County’s Helicopter 5 in flight shot by Barbara S. Hoversten near Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. Below is one more.
Ventura County, HH-60L, N60VC. Photo by Skippyscage at Centennial Airport, Englewood, CO, March 5, 2021The 12 Sikorsky S-70i helicopters that CAL FIRE has purchased are brand new, straight from the factory. They are being accessorized by United Rotorcraft with navigation and communication systems, cabin interiors, higher landing gear, and a 1,000 gallon external fixed water tank with a retractable snorkel system for fighting fire.
Similar work is being done on the two Ventura County aircraft seen here which will be delivered in Southern California. They are former military HH-60L Blackhawks originally configured by United Rotorcraft as dedicated MEDEVAC helicopters with medical equipment and patient litter systems, some of which is being repurposed in the new FIREHAWK configuration.
Ventura County, HH-60L, N70VC. Photo by Skippyscage at Centennial Airport, Englewood, CO, April 14, 2021.
7 Comments
CALFIRE Copter 106 is destined for Moffett Field, near San Jose because the aircraft is too large to remain at its present base of Alma, along Hwy 17.
The next Copter scheduled for completion by United Rotorcraft is CALFIRE Copter 101, located at Howard Forest in Mendocino County, home of the Redwoods, Prime Vineyards and miles of Prime Marijuana !
do you know when copter 101 will be done?? or what the Tail number is?
Copter 101 should be delivered by June 1st !
Thanks for the explanation of why Copter 106 says Moffett, I was thoroughly confused at first!
Yes, the new Firehawks are too large for the Alma facility. Also, the lease is up and I heard the land owner didn’t want to renew it again.
Santa Barbara County has HT-964 enroute 4/18/21 for final Firehawk make over. Very excited.
Thanks to Fire Aviation for keeping us up-to-date on California’s firefighting aircraft. Always great details and photos. Kudos to skippyscage.
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