全部
← Back to Squawk list
How to fight the California wildfires with a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet
Step inside (which you can do in the interactive 3-D model below) and you'll see that the upper floor looks pretty normal, with the cockpit and a few seats. Head down the stairs to the main floor, though, and you'll see the key changes its owner, Global Supertanker LLC, made when it converted the Japan Airlines passenger plane to a firefighter in 2016. (www.wired.com) 更多...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
The Canadair (Bombadier) CL-415 is by far the world's best waterbomber. It doesn't need to land to refill and adds retardent dependent on the fire type. The EU has several which thay move around where neede but the two countries with the worst brush and forest fires; USA and Australia don't have any. (at least I don't think they have. As sor the US I guess because it is Canadian they won't buy it. The US wants every one in the world to buy their commercial and military aircraft; and everything else as well but seem to be on a perennial "buy America" kick. Free trade folks; if you don't make the best product for the job; buy it from those who do.
Your political rant isn't really correct. The US West Coast utilizes super scoopers routinely, when the fire season in Canada ends they come down on contract all along the coastal cities. We love the Scoopers down here in SoCal, but there is no need for us to own them. They do a great job during the months we need them, and their French accents on the radio add a bit of spice to the air attach chatter as well.
One other possible reason for US not purchasing new CL-415's is that they are not making them any more (that may change). I agree it is a valuable tool and is the best tool for certain situations. I don't think there is an overall 'best' aerial tanker. Tanker 944 is 'best' when you need to lay down a half mile retardant line on a ridge, but not so good on a small spot fire or structure protection.
Overall, I believe the three best firefighting tools are the shovel, McCleod, and pulaski in the hands of an experienced ground crew. The planes make great videos, hand crews make great firelines.
Overall, I believe the three best firefighting tools are the shovel, McCleod, and pulaski in the hands of an experienced ground crew. The planes make great videos, hand crews make great firelines.
Just after I posted, I found a new squawk on the subject that makes interesting reading:
https://flightaware.com/squawks/view/1/recently/popular/64194/How_Air_Power_Helped_Defeat_San_Diego_Lilac_Wildfire
https://flightaware.com/squawks/view/1/recently/popular/64194/How_Air_Power_Helped_Defeat_San_Diego_Lilac_Wildfire
Let's not forget the "smoke jumpers". They are part time and make very little. I had the opportunity to tour the facility at Moezula, Montana. The fellow was fantastic. He was killed in a blow back about a month later. This was about 20 years ago.
Another tool in the toolbox. Easy commute to the jobsite. Hike out not so easy.
https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/smokejumpers/missoula/
https://www.fs.fed.us/fire/people/smokejumpers/missoula/