C-130 MAFFS: MAFFS unit

The MAFFS unit was developed for Lockheed C-130 Hercules models E and H equipped with what is known as the US Air Force 463L cargo handling system.

The module, weighing 11,000 pounds, has:

1. five retardant tanks and one compressed air pressurized tank (1,200 psi)
2. loadmaster seat -- works the master control panel for the retardant drop
3. master control panel
4. two discharge tubes
5. electric power to the module is supplied by the aircraft or a 24 volt battery on the control panel

For more information, see this article about the MAFFS program on the USFS website and this wikipedia article. A photo of a C-130 MAFFS may be found here.

The five tanks hold 3,000 gallons of retardant that can be discharged in eight seconds. There is a nice video on you tube showing scenes from the rear of the aircraft as a drop is being made, as well as reloading retardant at the AAB, that may be found here. Reload time is eight minutes.

The pressurized tank on the module is recharged at the Air Attack Base (AAB) by means of a special air compressor module that remains at the base. I believe that every base has an industrial sized air compressor. Once fitted with the right fittings, the compressor can be used to recharge the compressed air tank on the C-130. Under this scenario, the air compressor does not have to travel with the C-130.

Twenty-four hours are required to outfit the C-130 with the MAFFS as well as pulling together the required support systems including the military pilots, some ground crew, supplies and equipment. To get an idea of how the MAFFS unit is loaded onto the aircraft see this you tube video. Base personnel at the host AAB will augment the military ground crew that arrives with the C-130.

The two discharge valves extend out the rear door of the aircraft. This means that once the MAFFS unit is set up that the rear cargo doors are left open during the entire mission, which could last two or more weeks. In an emergency, the crew may need to dump the retardant as a safety measure. The loadmaster wears a safety harness teathered to the aircraft to prevent a fall outside the rear of the plane. The plane is flying at a low enough altitude during the drop so that supplemental oxygen is not required.