PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - $12M fire bomber trial
View Single Post
Old 10th Sep 2010, 04:23
  #16 (permalink)  
chimbu warrior
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Paradise
Age: 68
Posts: 1,553
Received 52 Likes on 20 Posts
This subject seems to pop up every 6 months or so.

The Convair is a good machine, but we have too few airports equipped to handle it.

The RAAF tried a MATTS system in the back of a Herc in the early 80's. Unfortunately their lead time to fight a fire meant that the fire usually got the upper hand. Not enough flexibility.

The DC-10 was a knee-jerk, and unsuitable for the job here.

Australia already has the answer; lots of Airtractor 802's and very skilled and knowledgeable crews, but it seems the authorities here want an overseas solution. Can't imagine why, as this usually results in a very expensive, less than perfect outcome.
chimbu warrior is offline