Fire Bombing Australian Maritime Resources currently holds contracts with the South Australian Country Fire Service for the supply of aircraft, pilots and ground support for South Australian aerial fire attack operations. In 1997 Australian Maritime Resources conducted Airtanker operations (using 2 Airtractor AT-802 aircraft) in Indonesia under contract to the South Australian Country Fire Service for an AusAid program to assist in a regional fire control program. Australian Maritime Resources utilizes Aerotech’s fleet of 10 turbine Airtractor aircraft, including the AT-802, powered by the reliable PT6-65 turbine engine. The AT-802 is able to take off and land from remote strips or small airports for quick response times where minutes can make a difference on rapidly spreading fires. The three inch loading system results in unparalleled turnaround times with the aircraft having the ability to make drops lower and slower than larger tankers, therefore ensuring maximum drop effectiveness is attained. The AT-802 is designed as an initial attack firefighter, utilizing state of the art computer controls and hydraulic power with the patented fire gate allowing the pilot to choose the requested coverage level, amount to be dropped according to ground speed. The pilot is able to concentrate on flying safely while the computer makes continuous door opening adjustments to provide the desired coverage level with maximum accuracy, even where turbulence is encountered. Due to the AT-802’s smaller size, it can manoeuvre into smaller areas and make faster turns in a shorter radius allowing it to attack the critical area of the fire with water and foam or a chemical retardant. The AT-802 offers maximum flexibility of coverage levels to better combat bush and grass fires or heavier canopies in a forest. The computerised pilot interface system allows the pilot to select coverage levels ranging from .5 gallons to 4 gallons (US) per 100 square feet with coverage level of 6.0 possible on drops. Adjustments can be made in .5 gallon increments as the computer performs an extensive series of calculations to determine the gate opening required for constant flow at any level selected. Calculations are completed in milliseconds and take into account changing drop conditions and aircraft accelerations. A built in “smart feature” allows the computer to maintain gallons-to-drop calibration for each and every drop. The computer measures the quantity of material in the hopper after the drop and compares it with what should have remained in the hopper after the drop. The time based equations, if necessary, are automatically altered by the system to maintain proper calibration. This accuracy and control of coverage ensures that retardant is not wasted and can be utilized with maximum effectiveness.