As a new summer season is about to begin, many states and counties are beginning to prepare for possible wildfires. Citizens are well aware of how destructive these fires can be. According to official sources, in 2021 alone in the state of California, 2,568,948 acres were consumed by fire, causing the loss of more than 3,000 homes and leaving 3 people dead.
Faced with this scenario, aviation has become an excellent ally to prevent the spread and extinction of these incendiary events. Many companies saw the need to modify their aircraft for this purpose, and in some cases, to acquire aircraft built solely for this purpose.
One example of this is Bridger Aerospace. This local company founded in 2014 based at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN) in Montana, has been hard at work on this work, to provide quick and efficient solution to both civilians and government.
We decided to contact them and they allowed us to pay them a visit while they were in Conroe, Texas, doing training and practice work. We were able to get up close and personal with two of their iconic model airplanes.
One of the major features of this company is its powerful Canadair CL-415 aircraft (turboprop variant of the CL-215). This aircraft designed exclusively for aerial firefighting is capable of carrying up to 1,600 gallons stored in its large tanks.
To refill these tanks, the aircraft needs to sail over the surface of the water at a speed of 60 to 70 knots, and in just 10 seconds, refill the water, and once the tanks are full, ready for the next discharge.
With these figures in mind, it is not surprising that in the best conditions this aircraft can perform dozens of daily discharges, making it one of the most effective firefighting assets.
The crew
But, of course, every good airplane needs a good pilot, and a good pilot needs good training. That is why the Bridger Company recently included in its fleet a De Havilland Canada DHC-300 “Twin Otter” aircraft, modified as an amphibious aircraft, with the main purpose of providing its pilots with proper training in the real conditions they will face when performing firefighting duties.
The company also has unmanned aircraft to monitor and transmit accurate information on fire outbreaks, even in low visibility flight conditions.
Undoubtedly, the advance of technology and the good development of the aeronautical industry has allowed companies such as Bridger Aerospace to provide their customers with relief in moments of uncertainty, and in this way help to keep life, property and habitat intact.
