CAL-FIRE Firehawk Program Status?

General Discussion
#1

Curious as to the status of the Firehawks and when/where we may see them go in service?

Figured this would be the place to find the info that seems to be limited through other channels.

Thanks!

#2

I believe the first one is scheduled to arrive at McClellan next month. It will primarily be used for training to get pilots and crews qualified on the new air frame. I would not expect to see it in service on a regular basis until late in the year if at all this year.

#3

Thanks Coolfire!

:helicopter: :nerd_face:

#4

SBCO Copter 964 (Blackhawk ) just left for Alabama this week to get retrofitted to a Firehawk, avionics,paint etc. Next year will be very cool.

#5

This might be helpful

https://fireaviation.com/2018/03/14/ken-pimlott-discusses-the-acquisition-of-a-new-fleet-of-helicopters/

https://fireaviation.com/2017/12/14/cal-fire-receives-final-approval-to-purchase-new-sikorsky-s-70i-helicopters/

https://fireaviation.com/2019/03/05/firehawks-are-trending-in-the-wildland-fire-service/

#6

Does anybody know the final answer to whether the FireHawks are going to be bucket equipped or underslung tanks like the LA County ships? It was my understanding, perhaps wrongfully so, that the plan was going to be the underslung tank with the retractable snorkel configuration. It would appear the the new 205 is bucket equipped

CalFire C-130's
#7

Some will be bucket equipped and some tanked - You can look at the current ships and the new ships will follow that configuration. Current 301 is tanked and the new 301 will be tanked same with 205 Current is bucket and the new 205 will bucket.

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#8

@Mark41…I greatly appreciate the clarification.

#9

Copter 903, First Firehawk, made drops today in LNU, its a tanked ship

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#10

Great platform. 1000 gallon tank. going to be a great asset for CalFire. LaCoFD and LAC have shown that…plus pvt contractors and others. good things happening…just takes time

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#11

According to AMU, all of the S70i’s will be tanked. There will be buckets for backup, but they all are having tanks installed and for Dozer Keith, that includes the retractable snorkel on all.

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#12

The new copter 106 is nearing completion.
Is it getting moved from Alma Station to Moffett Field?

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#13

Yes the pad and hanger at Alma will not accommodate the new ship. The same is happening with 406 and moving it to Hollister air base from Bear Valley.

#14

Any idea when they are moving? Are they also setting up an air attack base at Moffett?

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#15

No air base just the copter. Its been in the works for a couple of years to move the ship.

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