KR, from where do we operate this large fleet of Very Large Air Tankers (VLAT) and CL415's?
An RJ85 or a C130 (Multi Engine Air Tanker - MEAT) may be able to operate from a few Regional Airports, however a B737 or DC10 needs suitable runways and support facilities.
Within Victoria a B737 would be limited to YMML, YMAV, YMES and YMIA. It can't use YMEN because it is above 45 tonne.
Even at B737 speeds Victoria would need several in order to be able to lay an effective retardant line on the flank of a fire from the limited number of suitable aerodromes.
The CL415 needs around 1300m of obstacle free smooth water in order to scoop fill. Victoria doesn't have many such suitable waterways. Most that would normally be suitable, large reservoirs, are at 50% or less capacity.
Back in the 1970's trials were conducted using military C130 fitted with a retardant dispersal, pallet. The trials weren't all that successful.
Perhaps the better option, for Victoria in particular, is to increase the fleet of AT802A and AT802F Single Engine Air Tankers (SEAT). This should be coupled with the acquisition of more large helicopters: S61, S64, or utilize the fleet of B412 that exist in country.
SEATs and helicopters can operate from just about anywhere and should be used for initial knockdown of small fires, ie don't let them become large fires.
It has been said many times that aerial firefighting is just another asset (tool), along with manpower, tankers and earth moving equipment used to fight fires.
It has also been said that fire bombers make great television, but they do not put out fires.
RG