USFS announces large air tanker replacement strategy

No doubt some of you already know that last Friday (Feb. 10, 2012) announced its strategy for replacing large airtankers. Perhaps you too follow Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today and have already read the article he wrote about the USFS strategy on Feb. 10, 2012. Those of you who haven't read Bill's article may want to do so.

According to the USFS news release announcing their strategy to replace large airtankers for wildfire efforts,

"Recommendations for the next generation of airtankers include:

• Capabilities of carrying a minimum of 1,800 gallons of mixed retardant with more than 3,000 gallons preferred.
• A minimum cruise speed of 345 mph for quick fire response over long distance.
• Powering by turbine engines, which are more reliable, more fuel efficient, and require less maintenance than older aircraft piston engines.
• Capabilities of operating from most federal airtanker bases.
• Forest Service contract structural integrity program requirements must be met."

I know of two media reports on the USFS strategy, one from the Washington Post on Feb. 11 that I learned about from Bill Gabbert's article written earlier today. I'd like to thank some friends who made me aware of an article in the Missoulian on Feb. 11.

We will have to wait and see how the USFS implements this new strategy. You may recall that the USFS has an RFP for turbine tankers with submission date of Feb. 15, 2012. That is in two days. I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for news and will report back, so stay tuned.