Aviation-Guide - Flipbook - Page 3
In 1981, CAL FIRE took a significant step towards strengthening its fleet by acquiring
12 Bell UH-1F series helicopters from the United States Air Force. These helicopters were a
valuable addition to the Department’s operations as they provided exceptional agility and
maneuverability during firefighting operations.
History
Helicopter Program
As CAL FIRE continued to expand its services, it became increasingly evident that the “F”
model helicopters were no longer suitable for their needs. This prompted CAL FIRE to initiate
a phase-out of the “F” model and an upgrade to newer, larger UH-1H helicopters in the
late 1980s. These UH-1H aircraft were significantly modified to meet the Department’s
specialized needs and provide enhanced capabilities during firefighting operations.
The modified helicopters were designated as “Super Hueys,” a name that perfectly reflected
their superior performance and exceptional capabilities. The modifications included
upgraded engines, advanced communication systems, and specialized equipment for
fire suppression and search and rescue operations. These helicopters were truly a gamechanger in CAL FIRE’s firefighting operations, as they provided enhanced maneuverability,
greater lift capacity, and faster response times.
In 2018, CAL FIRE embarked on a mission to modernize and bolster our aerial firefighting
fleet capabilities. To achieve this, we sought approval from the Governor’s Office to
purchase up to 12 new Sikorsky S70i helicopters. The approval was granted, and by the
spring of 2023, all 12 of these state-of-the-art helicopters had been acquired and were in
service, responding to emergencies such as vegetation fires and rescue missions.
In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the Governor’s Office provided additional funding for the
purchase of 4 more CAL FIRE Hawk helicopters. These additional helicopters are being
acquired to increase surge capacity and to ensure operational readiness during mandatory
maintenance cycles.
The new generation of S70i CAL FIRE Hawk helicopters have brought a myriad of
improvements to the firefighting operations. With improved flight safety features, higher
payload capacity, increased power margins, and the ability to operate at night, CAL FIRE
can now tackle emergency situations more efficiently and effectively. These state-of-the-art
helicopters have proven to be a valuable asset to the firefighting fleet, enabling CAL FIRE to
respond more quickly to emergency situations and providing a greater degree of safety for
firefighters and residents alike.
T
his Guidebook has been assembled for those who want
information on firefighting aircraft used by the local, state
and federal agencies. The guide provides the most current
facts, specifications and reference photos in four categories;
air tactical, fixed-wing, rotor-wing and military aircraft.
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