Air Tractor flies in to boost local wild fire fighting
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South Africa’s ability to fight unwanted wildfire has received a boost with the addition of the world-respected Air Tractor-802F to the Forest Fire Association Group’s fleet of wild fire fighting aircraft.
The Air Tractor is globally acknowledged as one of the best, most accurate wild fire fighting “bombers” ever built.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to add this highly efficient and very effective wild fire fighting aircraft to our fleet,” said Johan Heine Co-Managing Director of the FFA Group. “It will certainly make a huge contribution to wild fire fighting capability in virtually any environment from fighting forest fires to runaway veld and fynbos fires in the Western Cape.
The Air Tractor was designed, developed and first flown in the USA. It carries a chemical hopper between the engine and the cockpit. It is recognized in aerial fire fighting circles as a fast, maneuverable aircraft that’s operationally effective and extremely fuel-efficient.
The aircraft deploys an advanced, patented computer-controlled system to deliver retarding foam on fires. Its’ accuracy is particularly valuable in suppressing wild fire to allow ground based fire fighters dowse flames.
FFA Group acquired the aircraft from Air Tractor Europe earlier this year. It was flown to Nelspruit, landing Monday August 09, 2013 without incident.
The Air Tractor was flown to South Africa after the completion of the registration and certificate of airworthiness process required by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The six-day flight began in Valencia, Spain on Wednesday August 04.
According to Heine, the new Air Tractor 802F will be used initially in fire fighting operations on contract to SAPPI through the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association.
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