Photo credit Jeremy Ulloa
Coulson Announces 2020 Fire Season Contract Award Lockheed C-130’s and Boeing 737 FIRELINER’s played keys roles in saving homes and lives in Australia.
AF 22 | aerialfiremag.com
Coulson Aviation USA has been awarded a multiyear contract with the USDA Fire Service for Next Generation Large Air Tanker Services throughout the United States. The contract beginning in 2020 will see the first Boeing 737, Tanker 137 in operation. Coulson Aviation is the first in the world to modify Boeing 737’s into FIRELINER’s which utilize a new advanced delivery system specifically designed for this application, the RADS-XXL/2. To convert a 737 into a FIRELINER takes over 43,000-man hours and includes the RADS-XXL/2 installation, avionics upgrades, full strip and re-paint, new interior, and 72 refurbished passenger seats. Once complete, the FIRELINER is differentiated from all other Next Generation Large Airtankers by its ability to transport firefighters without re-configuration and to fly at maximum speeds and altitudes with a load of retardant and no restrictions.
“This firefighting re-purposed Boeing 737 was designed, manufactured and had the installation of the tanking system done in house which is a testament to the creativity of our teams led by Britt Coulson.” Wayne Coulson, CEO Coulson Group “I could not be prouder of our Company based on all the dedication, hard work and commitment of teams to design, manufacture, build, operate and maintain this superior air tanker. Both our Lockheed C-130’s and Boeing 737 FIRELINER’s played keys roles in saving homes and lives in Australia this past devastating fire season which we are all proud of.” “The FIRELINER is truly the Next Generation of Next Generation Large Airtankers” said Britt Coulson, President and COO Coulson Aviation. “The FIRELINER’s are a perfect complement to our C-130’s and having a diverse fleet assures our customers always have the right airtanker for the mission.”
