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Fire Fighting

Aerteoch 1st Response has been responding to bushfires for over 20 years, making us one of the most experienced companies worldwide. This has established a foundation of significant experience in the understanding of bushfire ‘behaviour’ and what is required to successfully put them out.

Rapid Initial Attack

Aerotech 1st Response have championed a strategy called “rapid initial attack’ which was adopted by the CFS (in 1997) and focuses on controlling fires early before they get out of control. Often this means the difference between a minor incident and a full-scale emergency.

Fastest Response

Worldwide, Aerotech 1st Response is currently the fastest to respond to an emergency request. We are airborne within 3 minutes of receiving a request for help and it only takes 2 minutes to land, reload and be airborne again.  With access to over 100 strips just in South Australia, this allows for great fire fighting efficiencies.

Our focus is on developing the most effective aerial fire fighting strategies and providing the best-trained pilots and support staff, a safe working environment and the most technically advanced equipment.

 

Firefighting Aircraft Features

Aircraft

Part of the success of the rapid initial attack strategy is the purpose built fire bombing air-tankers that we use.  The Air Tractor 802 F (AT 802F) is widely recognised as the most effective air-tanker world wide for ‘rapid initial attack’. 

With huge power and payload coming from the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turbine engine, Aerotech’s fleet of Air Tractor aircraft are a real powerhouse.  Fast to get airborne and with a ferry-speed of over 300km/h, combined with Aerotech’s access to remote strips, results in a great formula  for effective aerial fire fighting.

The aircraft are extremely rugged, which is necessary for landing at remote airstrips to access water.  They are fast and extremely maneuverable, enabling access to ‘tight’ areas and allowing fast turns in a short radius to attack the critical area of the fire.

Onboard Technology

All Aerotech aircraft are fitted out with sophisticated onboard technology, allowing pilots to choose the requested coverage level and amount of water /retardant/gel to be dropped, allowing pinpoint accuracy.

More commonly called the ‘fire gate’, this technology allows for absolute precision in aerial fire fighting.  Ultimately this saves property and most importantly, lives.