What are the firefighter helicopters called?
Super Huey’s
The modified helicopters were designated as “Super Huey’s”. Firefighting Aircraft means support of the firefighters on the ground from aircraft in the air. Aircraft can access steep, rocky or unsafe areas before ground forces are able to gain entry.
What is a Type 1 fire fighting helicopter?
Type 1 helicopters are the largest, fastest flying and the most expensive helicopters used on wildland fires. These helicopters can strategically drop thousands of gallons of water or retardant with pinpoint accuracy, while working closely with ground personnel and other firefighting aircraft.
How much does a firefighter helicopter cost?
The Firehawks are actually Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk helicopters specifically modified for firefighting purposes. The cost of a Black Hawk helicopter is about $1.7 million, but the cost of outfitting it for firefighting and maintenance brings the total to about $4.2 million.
What color are firefighter helicopters?
Although shocking pink is the official color, it is not always what is used. As a result of heavy firefighting focus in California, resources in surrounding states have been heavily reduced.
Why is it called a Bambi bucket?
The Bambi Bucket is an aerial firefighting water bucket. The Bambi Bucket concept originated in 1980 with Don Arney, a Canadian inventor. Arney’s vision was for a durable, collapsible water bucket that would improve helicopter pilots’ firefighting capabilities.
How much does it cost to fill up a helicopter?
Cost Example
| Helicopter Type | Average Fuel Burn | Fuel Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Bell 206 Jetranger III | 27 gph | $113/hour |
| AS350 B3 Astar | 50 gph | $210/hour |
| Bell 212HP | 100 gph | $420/hour |
| Bell 205A-1++ | 90 gph | $380/hour |
How much does a gallon of fire retardant cost?
In 2020, the federal government and state agencies dropped over 56 million gallons (211,983,060 liters) of retardant, which costs on average $3.10 per gallon, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Why is the helicopter called Elvis?
The aircraft obtained its nickname due to the time that it spent working for the United States National Guard in Memphis, where singer Elvis Presley lived for most of his life. Erickson Air-Crane helitankers were first brought out to Victoria in December 1997.
Who owns a pink helicopter?
TICKLED PINK: Fleet Helicopters owner Lachie Onslow is thrilled his helicopter “Lucy” is raising money for Cancer Council NSW.
What is a Firehawk?
For thousands of years, Australia’s Aboriginal people have sung stories about sacred “firehawks” — raptors that, according to lore, use fire to hunt and introduced fire to humans. They’re picking up a brand repeatedly until they’re able to take a fire across a road, river or firebreak created by humans.
Is red fire retardant toxic?
The fire retardant is generally safe — the Forest Service has said its risk of chemical toxicity is minor for most animals, and it predicted no risk for people who are accidentally splashed — but the sheer volume that comes out of a plane is very heavy. The fire retardant is gooey — sticky, even, Turner said.