AERIAL FIREFIGHTERS OK'D TO FLY (including DC-7)

[bdk]

http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/409-full.html#189888

[airnutz]

Still, no word though from Aero Union since the April 21 release regarding
the P-3 loss...

[Aircraft Mech Paul]

Hi,

ANY of these firefighting aircraft could still be used in the firebombing capacity. They just need a higher level of maintenance than perhaps what is being done on them now. And from what I have read, and know, which is little, about firebombing. These aircraft are being asked to do things their designers NEVER intended them to do.

On a side note...has anyone heard about Evergreen Aviation's attempt at creating a "Super Tanker" out of a 747 ? I saw the video footage of this thing....QUITE impressive. If it were ever approved, I think the idea of using vintage aircraft would pretty much stop. That 747 can pack quite a punch when it comes to aerial firefighting.

Paul

[bdk]

Methinks the fire bomber fleet and the ACM aircraft have something in common.

[HarvardIV]

A/C Mech Paul:

Hi,

ANY of these firefighting aircraft could still be used in the firebombing capacity. They just need a higher level of maintenance than perhaps what is being done on them now. And from what I have read, and know, which is little, about firebombing. These aircraft are being asked to do things their designers NEVER intended them to do.

On a side note...has anyone heard about Evergreen Aviation's attempt at creating a "Super Tanker" out of a 747 ? I saw the video footage of this thing....QUITE impressive. If it were ever approved, I think the idea of using vintage aircraft would pretty much stop. That 747 can pack quite a punch when it comes to aerial firefighting.

Paul

bdk
Air Marshal - 2nd Class wrote:

Methinks the fire bomber fleet and the ACM aircraft have something in common.

One of my friends out at the airport is a Firebomber pilot/IA here in Tucson, and he says that these firebombers were not designed to carry heavy loads, and maneuver like they do. He said even the P2V's and S2Fs "aren't really up to the job". I said "why not"? He said they were not intended for it by the designers. I said, "I thought the S2s were strong enough, because they were built by Grumman". He said, "maybe, but if they lose an engine on climb out right after take off with a load of retardant, they'll roll right in"..