AT-802 Firefighter
Since 1995, the Air Tractor AT-802F has served with distinction at the front lines of wildfires around the globe. As an initial attack air tanker, the AT-802F with 3.100 liters hopper capacity (820 U.S. gal.), is appreciated among ...
AT-802 Firefighter
Presentation
Since 1995, the Air Tractor AT-802F has served with distinction at the front lines of wildfires around the globe. As an initial attack air tanker, the AT-802F with 3.100 liters hopper capacity (820 U.S. gal.), is appreciated among aerial firefighting circles as a fast, maneuverable aircraft that’s both operationally effective and economical. When fire season is over, the AT-802F can continue earning its keep by performing forestry protection and rehabilitation activities as varied as aerial insecticide application, re-seeding, hydromulch application and fertilization.
As more firefighting contractors and government agencies see the AT-802F in action, it’s being recognized as a valuable asset in their firefighting arsenal, not only for initial attack, but on extended attack in support of ground crews, too.
Detailed Description
The AT-802F is a fast, agile single engine air tanker, designed from the tires up for rapid response firefighting. Powered by the reliable PT6A-67F turbine engine with 1,600 SHP, the AT-802F has a cruiser speed of almost 356 Km/h. Because the turbine engine requires no warm-up time, an AT-802F pilot can take on a full 820-gallon load (3.100 litters) and be in the air, headed for the front lines in as few as five minutes after receiving a dispatch. The 18 U.S. gallons(70 litters) capacity foam tank may be filled through a convenient loading cap in the engine cowling
In contrast to heavy air tankers based at larger airfields, the AT-802F can land on short dirt strips, land with floats on nearby lakes, even work from county roads a few miles from the fire to dramatically reduce ferry times to and from the front lines. This short-field performance capability, fast ferry speeds and rapid turnaround on the ground can make a big difference when response time is critical.
Accuracy
With the AT-802F, an Incident Commander has the flexibility to choose the optimum coverage level to combat brush and grass fires or heavier forest canopies. Employing modern technology in computer controls and hydraulic power, the Pilot Interface System and patented AT-802F fire gate allow the pilot to select the coverage level, amount to be dropped and ground speed. The computer makes continuous door opening adjustments to deliver coverage levels with precision, even in conditions of changing airplane accelerations and turbulence. Because the computer controls the drop, the pilot is free to concentrate on flying the aircraft.
Combine the accurate coverage cababilities with the AT-802F’s maneuverability and it’s easy to understand why this aircraft is so effective at attacking fires in sensitive wildland urban interfaces, narrow flight corridors and confined terrain.
Firefighters appreciate the flexibility in positioning the AT-802F at remote airports or mobile tanker bases close to the fire. The AT-802F requires only about 900 meters of reasonably flat dirt runway, so it can stage from just about anywhere outside the fire perimeter and get back into action fast. The 3-inch loading system on the AT-802F provides high-volume input capacity that also speeds turnaround times. In fact, an AT-802F requires as little as three minutes on the ground to be fully reloaded and back in the air.
Utilizing the AT-802F in pairs is also a particularly effective strategy. This further reduces the response time by keeping one aircraft over the fire almost continuously.