AT-802F Field Report Firef ight ing Operat ions in Eastern Europe
page 2
AT-802F Fast Becoming Balkan Firefighting Leader
It has become almost an annual event.
The AT-802F is fast, agile and pur-
Each year, across southeastern Europe,
pose-built for rapid response firefighting.
hot and dry weather, a prolonged drought,
Powered by the reliable Pratt & Whitney
and strong winds combine to spark devas-
PT6A-67AG turbine engine, the AT-802F
tating and deadly wildfires costing many
has a ferry speed approaching 200 mph
lives, thousands of hectares of forest and
(322 kph). And because the turbine engine
incalculable property losses. In the face
requires no warm-up time, an AT-802F
of this increasingly frequent threat, Air
can take on a full 820 gal (3,104 L) load
Tractor’s AT-802F single engine air tanker
and be in the air, headed for the front fire
is fast gaining popularity among firefight-
lines in as few as five minutes after receiv-
ing services in many Mediterranean and
ing a dispatch.
Balkan countries.
Following the terrible wildfires in 2007, the government of Croatia expanded its aerial firefighting fleet with the purchase
The AT-802F is fast, agile and purpose-built for rapid response firefighting.
of five water float-configured AT-802A Fire Boss aircraft. These new aircraft joined one two-seat AT-802F that had been purchased earlier and used as a trainer and
As more firefighting contractors and
operational air tanker. The six Air Tractor
government agencies see the AT-802F in
aircraft are assigned to the 855 Firefighting
action, it’s earning a place as key asset in
Squadron, a dedicated firefighting unit
their aerial firefighting arsenal. Not just
based at Zadar-Zamunik Air Force Base.
for initial attack, but for extended attack in support of firefighting ground crews.
page 1
Montenegro was the second Balkan
Tractor is “the best possible choice for
country to purchase AT-802A Fire Bosses.
small and economically limited countries
In June 2009 the Ministry of Internal
like Macedonia.” Mr. Saliu explained that
Affairs and Public Administration, and the
AT-802A is inexpensive to purchase, oper-
cities of Podgorica and Budva took delivery
ate and maintain — yet offers exceptional
of two planes. The aircraft achieved ini-
firefighting performance. The aircraft’s
tial operational readiness in the summer
multipurpose capability for preventive
of 2009 and have been fully operational
forest-protection surveillance flights, fertilizing Macedonian forests as well as for
The AT-802F offers exceptional firefighting performance
spraying Macedonia’s agricultural fields is also a strong advantage, Saliu says.
since then. Montenegrin AT-802A “Fire Boss” planes will jointly operate from either Podgorica-Golubovci International Airport or Tivat International Airport and will be used for fighting fires in Montenegro and, if needed, in neighboring Balkan states Albania,
Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Croatia, Macedonia and Serbia. Macedonia purchased three AT-802A Fire Bosses between November 2009 and March 2010 to supplement its firefighting fleet. Director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate, Mr. Shaban Saliu said that AT-802A Fire Boss was purchased because “it is able to scoop water from the many lakes across Macedonia which makes the aircraft ideally suited for Macedonian landscape.” He also notes that the Air
page 2
The Macedonian AT-802A Fire Boss
February 2009 after public tender process
fleet is assigned to the Aviation Unit of the
was completed during 2008. The aircraft
Protection and Rescue Directorate, and is
is already operational with the Cypriot
based at Skopje International Airport.
Department of Forestry for firefighting and
Cyprus acquired its first AT-802F in
spraying operations. The aircraft is based
October 2009. The arrival of the two-
at Larnaca International Airport, on the
seat AT-802F at the Cypriot Department
southeast coast of Cyprus.
of Forestry, part of the Cypriot Ministry
The governments of Albania, Bosnia-
of Agriculture, Natural Resources and
Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece
Environment, was the culmination of a
have also expressed interest in purchasing
contract signed with Air Tractor Europe in
the Air Tractor firefighting aircraft.
“It is able to scoop water from the many lakes across Macedonia which makes the aircraft ideally suited for Macedonian landscape.” — Mr. Shaban Saliu, Director of the Protection and Rescue Directorate
page 3
AT-802F An After-The-Sale Performance Program
Hugo Arceo, Sales Manager for Air
Tractor Europe, a division of Avialsa.
Tractor Europe notes that interest in the
Headquartered near Valencia Spain, Air
802F is strong, and Air Tractor Europe
Tractor Europe provides sales, rental, parts
is well positioned to meet that demand.
sales, technical and maintenance support
“Many of the Eastern European govern-
for Air Tractor and a wide range of aircraft.
ments that have recently purchased the
Avialsa’s maintenance center is certified by
AT-802F or Fire Boss have little or no
the Spanish Civil Aviation Administration
experience operating and maintaining sin-
and operates avionics, and propeller shop.
gle engine air tankers. Air Tractor Europe
Because mission readiness is so criti-
provides these government agencies with
cal for aerial firefighting assets, Air Tractor
much more than just the aircraft. We
Europe has a “whatever it takes” approach
developed and provide a comprehensive
to customer support. “Questions and
program of flight and maintenance train-
issues will always arise in any operation as
ing to help our customers get maximum
dynamic as aerial firefighting,” says Arceo.
performance from their aircraft invest-
“Every time one of our customers has had
ment. Beyond 802F pilot and mechanic
an issue or a technical problem, we’ve had a
training, we also outfit the squadrons with
specialist team from Air Tractor Europe on
spare parts, maintenance tools and opera-
site within hours. It’s this high level of ser-
tional support services,” says Arceo.
vice after the sale that helps our customers
Air Tractor sales in Spain, Portugal, Greece,
Italy,
Croatia,
Israel,
Turkey
realize the true value and performance capabilities of the AT-802F.”
and North Africa are handed by Air
“Every time one of our customers has had an issue or a technical problem, we’ve had a specialist team from Air Tractor Europe on site within hours.” — Hugo Arceo, Manager, Air Tractor Europe
page 4
page 5
page 6
page 7
Aviation-Images.com
Aviation-Images.com
page 8
AT-802F Success in the Balkans
In
Croatia,
the
855
Firefighting
Says Došen, “Our fire-fighting pilots
Squadron, a dedicated Croatian Air Force
at Zemunik Airbase quickly became
aerial firefighting unit, now operates a
proficient flying the AT-802F and were
fleet of six AT-802Fs from Zadar-Zamunik
performing on an equal level with our
Air Force Base. They were brought into
larger Canadair air tankers. Because they
operational use by Captain Milan Došen,
are single-seat aircraft, each pilot had to
Commander of the Air Tractor platoon in
self-train and become familiar with the
the fire-fighting squadron, and his three
capabilities and limits of the aircraft. We
colleagues Tomislav Vacenovski, Darko
had 40 hours of training and began fight-
Kucer and Ante Ljubas. With the easy
ing fires. During the first season fighting
flight characteristics of the AT-802F,
fires with the AT-802F we emphasized
and specialized training provided by Air
safety, safety, safety. We often made 50 to
Tractor Europe, pilots of the firefighting
60 sorties per day, which requires a high
squadron soon introduced the aircraft
level of concentration and stamina. Our
into full service and were successfully
pilots and the 802F performed excep-
completing firefighting missions.
tionally well. The 802F is a most reliable aircraft, and its maintenance is not expensive. It brings a lot of water to the fire for a modest operational cost.”
“The 802F is a most reliable aircraft, and its maintenance is not expensive. It brings a lot of water to the fire for a modest operational cost.” — Captain Milan Doŝen, Croatian Air Force
page 9
AT-802F A Legacy of Performance In Tough Conditions
Since its introduction in the 1990s, the
The 802F pilot selects the coverage
Air Tractor AT-802F has earned respect at
level, the amount of fire retardant to be
the front lines of wildfires around the globe.
dropped, and the ground speed. Then the
As an initial attack air tanker, the AT-802F
FRDS computer automatically controls
is regarded within aerial firefighting circles
the hydraulically-actuated fire gate doors,
as a fast, maneuverable aircraft that’s both
making continuous door opening adjust-
operationally effective and very economi-
ments to deliver a consistent coverage
cal to operate. In contrast to multi-engine
level from the start to the end of the drop.
air tankers that must be based at larger
The computer even adjusts the delivery to
airfields, the 802F can operate from dirt
account for changing airspeed and turbu-
strips, land with floats on nearby lakes and
lence. And because the computer controls
sea harbors, and work from roads a few
the drop, the pilot is free to concentrate
miles from the fire, dramatically reduc-
fully on flying the aircraft.
ing ferry times to and from the front lines.
More than forty current-production Air
Short-field performance capability, fast
Tractor FRDS Gen II fire gate systems are
ferry speeds and rapid turnaround on the
in service worldwide. This updated com-
ground are significant advantages when
puterized fire gate system has proven to
response time is critical.
be remarkably reliable, with demonstrated
Equipped with Air Tractor’s patented
performance in harsh firefighting con-
constant-flow Fire Retardant Dispersal
ditions. It incorporates simple on board
System (FRDS), the AT-802F allows pilots
diagnostics with a preflight check and a
and aerial fire controllers the flexibility to
new pilot interface display, among other
select the optimal coverage level for the fire
improvements.
size and fuel source, whether it’s a grass fire or heavy forest canopy.
page 10
page 11
Aviation-Images.com
Fires in urban/wildland interface areas
Unlike aging ex-military aircraft that
are especially challenging for aerial tank-
have been pressed into service as aerial
ers. Not so, for the AT-802F. The compact,
tankers, the AT-802 is a current produc-
agile 802F can deliver precise retardant
tion aircraft specifically designed and built
coverage levels at low altitude to critical
for fighting wildfires, with ready parts
hot spots, protecting individual ground
and support availability provided by a
structures and supporting fire crews on
worldwide network of Air Tractor dealers.
the ground.
“The performance of the AT-802 typically
In rugged topography with steep canyon
exceeds our customers’ expectations,”
walls or deep ravines, the Air Tractor 802F
says Hugo Arceo. “And they’re particularly
is small enough and has the maneuver-
pleased that the operating cost of the 802F
ability to provide effective coverage where
is much lower than other fixed wing air
high-flying, larger air tankers can’t go. The
tankers. This, combined with its versatility
802F is also often used in a support role to
and maneuverability makes the 802F an
close gaps in lines of retardant dropped by
important aerial asset for our customers.”
heavy air tankers from higher altitudes. Equipped with Wipaire amphibious floats, the Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss scoops 800 gallons (3,028 L) of water in 12-15 seconds and is on its way again to the fire in less than one minute. A pair of Fire Boss aircraft can deliver more water at a fraction of the operational cost of one Canadair CL-415 water bomber. The Fire Boss can drop an initial load of retardant, then remain close to the fire line, scooping water from a nearby harbor, sea inlet or lake. When used in coordination with other aerial firefighting aircraft, the Fire Boss can provide fire commanders almost continuous fire suppression assets over a fire.
page 12
With an outlook for continuing economic constraints on European government budgets, “doing more with less” is a common theme among national and local fire protection authorities across the continent. In that sense, the Air Tractor AT-802F is providing both excellent service to citizens and extending already stretched firefighting operations budgets. “The operational efficiency and economic advantages of the AT-802F really stand out in times like these,” says Arceo. “It’s all in a day’s work for an Air Tractor; but to our customers, we look like heroes helping them in a difficult situation.” And when the heat is on, that’s a good place to be.
The AT-802F is regarded within aerial firefighting circles as a fast, maneuverable aircraft that’s both operationally effective and very economical to operate.
page 13
AT-802F Specifications
Estimated Performance
Engine Type
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67AG 1
Cruise speed
221 m.p.h. (356 k.p.h.)
Engine S.H.P.
1350 @ 1700 RPM
Propeller
Hartzell HC-B5MA-3D/ M11691NS
Working Speed (typical)
120-125 m.p.h. (193-201 k.p.h.)
Stall Speed, Flaps Up
Take-Off Weight
16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
105 m.p.h. (169 k.p.h.) at 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
Landing Weight
16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
Stall Speed, Flaps Down
Empty Weight W/ Spray Equipment
7,210 lbs. (3 270 kg)
91 m.p.h. (146 k.p.h.) at 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
Useful Load
8,790 lbs. (3 987 kg)
2
Hopper Capacity
820 U.S. gal. (3 104 L)
Fuel Capacity
254 U.S. gal. 3 (961 L)
Wing Span
59.2 ft. (18,04 m)
Wing Area
401 sq. ft. (37,29 m2)
Main Wheel Size
32.0 in. (81,28 cm)
Tail Wheel Size
6.25 x 6
69 m.p.h. Stall Speed, As Usually Landed (111 k.p.h.)
Rate Of Climb
850 f.p.m. (259 m.p.m.) at 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
Take-Off Distance
2,000 ft. (610 m) at 16,000 lbs. (7 257 kg)
Range, Economy Cruise
800 mi. (1 287 km)
1
Optional engine is PT6A-67F, flat rated at 1424 SHP
2
Two-seat cockpit version, no spray equipment.
3
Optional 308 gallon (1 166L) or 380 gallon (1 438L) fuel tanks are available
page 14
page 15
Air Tractor produces a line of aircraft that includes 400, 500, 600 800 and 1000-gallon capacity planes powered by Pratt & Whitney turbine engines. They are used for agricultural purposes, fire fighting, narcotic crop eradication, fuel hauling, fighting locust plagues, and cleaning up oil spills in coastal waters. Air Tractor aircraft are found working not only across the United States, but around the globe, in Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, North and South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and China.
Air Tractor Europe C/Puzol 10 POB 13 46500 Sagunto (Valencia) Spain
Phone: +34 96 265 41 00 Fax: +34 96 265 42 12 www.airtractoreurope.com
Air Tractor, Inc. • Olney, Texas USA 76374 • + 00 1 940 564 5616 • www.airtractor.com