Tanker 122 got another workout on the acres fire this afternoon.
Fresno a great Base for it. They should get plenty of action out of there. Hopefully it will keep some fire from going extended and beyond.
Makes me wonder how they’ll do the actual basing as the -130s come on line. Redding, McClellan, Fresno, Chico … once they get more than four in service, maybe just keep a bunch at McClellan and farm them out. Not to mention that RADS can be used at more bases than MAFFS.
CWN C-130s used to operate out of Hemet-Ryan in years gone by. Any reason they can’t again ?
I thought Ramona was being looked at one point? San Bernardino tanker base has plenty of large tankers so could be why Hemet isn’t being considered.
Ramona is slated to have one assigned
Ramp space, lots more room at SBD or Ramona, they are budgeted to start a new facility at Hemet. Ramona will have a C-130 when fully operational
Per CALFIRE, the C-130’s will be assigned to Ramona, Paso Robles, Fresno, McClellan and Chico tanker bases.
https://calfire.app.box.com/s/qi43ztp65o93566v28qmo4cmouc116en/file/1628858218812
Ramona AAB is having ramp renovation starting soon. The airbase will be closed for most of this year.
The Cal Fire aircraft (S-2T and AA) and a MRB will be setup at Gillespie Field in El Cajon. Not sure a C-130 will be assigned with them there?
There used to be a LAT MRB at Brown field, is that still around?
Delivery Alert!
Coulson Aviation USA has officially delivered two more of our advanced RADS-XXL tanking systems designed for precision, reliability, and rapid deployment in the fight against wildfires.
One is headed to service with CAL FIRE destined for T-120, strengthening California’s frontline response.
The other will join Coulson’s newest C-130 Large Airtanker, expanding our own world-class aerial firefighting fleet.
But that’s not all… peek in the back and you’ll see a third tank in the photo that’s under construction. She’s still in primer, but won’t be for long! Any guesses where that third tank is headed?
#CoulsonAviation #Airtanker #RADSXXL #C130 #CALFIRE #FireSeasonReady #AerialFirefighting
Two more C-130’s will be added to the arsenal soon. One to Coulson and 1 for T-120.
Curious of the cost of these new systems? The one on T-122 out of Fresno has been getting a work out this early season.
Anyone know the status of 121? saw her in hanger at MCC, is she gonna be flying this year?
121 is the Bird out of MCC according which has been placed in service. 122 to FKU. From my recollection.
Next one is going to Ramona later this summer and the rest Chico and Paso in 2026 and 2027.
I believe T122 flew and dropped in SCU and MMU before it was officially placed in service in FKU.
Plenty of fires near MCC and 122 flew them
No 121 flying that’s why I asked the question
Nothing is gonna be flying out of Ramona real soon as they start the rebuilding project
Roger that. 
Billings flying service is parked at Millerton lakes dam parking lot for the summer, stay cool.
Anyone know how Redding’s tanker base is going to handle the runway re-surfacing in September? It’s only supposed to take a month … but it’s going to be at the ramping up point of whatever fire season is anymore, and will almost certainly go over schedule.