Originally Posted by
Gordy
The thermal cameras are on the Bell 429's that are on contract with Cal-Fire as "Helco" platforms. Basically they fly above and direct the air assets. Coulson also has an S-76 that they use as a "lead Helicopter" to direct their Chinooks on drops. They also have thermal imaging cameras linked to mapping systems. Both these aircraft do the same as the old USFS Cobras that were retired a couple years back.
Gordy, I think you're talking about the 407 HLCO machines. The 429s don't have any of that equipment installed. I had the pleasure of flying one of the HLCO 407s over the summer. We used the thermal imaging (IR) capabilities mostly towards the end of a fire to look for hot spots. Never to look through the smoke. The exclusive use HLCO 407s were used for the first time this season, very capable asset that is still being improved.