Aerial firefighting costs

[A330-343E]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently doing a research in aerial firefighting using helicopters (generally based on Erickson Skycranes and Eurcopters). Would anyone be able to provide the operating costs of running those aircraft?

[Jack Carson]

Crane Operating Costs

A Few years back, the US Forest Service contract for a crane was approximately $5500/flt.hr. This number was derived from information provided by Erickson Air Cranes the sole certificate holder for the crane. An H-53 operated by Heavy Lift Helicopters during the same period commanded a little more. I hope this helps.

[Gordy]

A330-343E

There are many other helicopters that fight fires. The "contracted" rate here in the US is public knowledge, however this is NOT operating cost. Companies that contract with DOI, and USFS will bid a daily rate and the hourly rate is fixed by the government.

Here is the current hourly rates being paid:

Hourly CWN rates

[farsouth]

Looking at that link, I see that it quotes the fuel burn of the Skycrane as 525 gallons per hour, which is about 3,500lbs/hr.
I used to fly S61's, and although I realised the Skycrane was a much bigger lifter, I hadn't realised it was Sooooo much bigger - I see it has a MTOW of about 42,000lbs, and around 3,500 SHP per engine - amazing machine

[Granny]

The F model Crane has a MTOW of 48000 lb and burns about 4000 lb an hr.

[noooby]

A long time since I've been on cranes, but wasn't the F model engine closer to 5000hp? Something like 4700hp. I do remember that everything was big and heavy!

[zlocko2002]

I saw that Ka-32 costs 2500-3500USD/h

[Aucky]

fire extinguishing additives

Hi All, I'm doing a little research into the use and effectiveness of fire extinguishing additives in aerial fire fighting ops (such as Blaze Tamer 380).

Would anyone very familiar with the aerial firefighting profession be happy to advise me on a few points? If so please get in touch by PM, all help MUCH appreciated

[PhlyingGuy]

LAFD

Maybe try talking to someone like LAFD? They may be able to give you more on the cost side than the rates.
LAFD Air Ops

[rigpiggy]

When I worked under the "Crane" the crew boss used to yell 2 bucks, 2 bucks, 2 bucks ad nauseum........ guessing that meant 7200$/hr