Fixed Wing Tanker Fleet
Grumman S2 Turbo Tracker
These tankers are the work horses that make up CalFire's fixed wing tanker fleet. Each can hold 1,200 Gallons of fire retardant.
McDonnell-Douglas MD-87
These MD-87s are operated by Erickson Aero Tanker, and can hold up to 3,000 Gallons of fire retardant each.
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules
The C-130 is operated by multiple units of the United States Air National Guard equipped with Modular Airborne Firefighting Systems (MAFFS), as well as with Coulson Aviation. The Hercules can carry up to 4,000 Gallons of fire retardant.
British Aerospace BAE 146
The BAE 146 is a versatile jet operated primarily by Neptune Aviation. The 146's younger cousin, the RJ-85 Avro is also operated by ConAir & Aeroflite Incorporated. These jets can hold up to 3,000 Gallons of fire Retardant
Avro RJ-85
The RJ-85 is operated by ConAir & Aeroflight and can carry up to 3,000 Gallons of fire retardant. The RJ-85 is classified as a Large Air Tanker, or LAT.
Boeing 737-300
The 737 Fireliner is operated by Coulson Aviation, and can hold up to 4,000 Gallons of fire retardant each.
McDonnell Douglas MD-10
The MD-10 is operated by 10 Tanker Air Carrier and can carry up to 9,400 Gallons of fire retardant. The MD-10 is classified as a Very Large Air Tanker, or VLAT, and is currently the largest air tanker operating in the U.S.
Fire Tractors & Fire Bosses
The AT-802 is operated by Conair & multiple other private contractors, and can hold up to 820 Gallons of fire retardant or water.
Super Scooper CL-415
The CL-145 is operated by Canadair & Aeroflite Incorporated and can carry up to 1,600 Gallons of water. The scoopers are very versatile, and have the ability to land on large water bodies to avoid reloading at conventional airports.
De Havilland Canada Q400
The DHC-8-Q400 is operated by Aeroflite and can hold up to 2600 Gallons of fire retardant or water.
HISTORICAL Fleet
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress
The B-17G was operated by Evergreen and can hold up to 3,100 Gallons of fire retardant or water.
Boeing 747 Super Tanker
The Boeing 747 formerly known as the "Global Super Tanker" is a historical aircraft that VAFFU has decided to resurrect and return to service. The 747 can hold up to 19,200 Gallons of water or retardant, making it the largest air tanker in existence.
Rotary Wing Fleet
Sikorsky S-61
These S-61s are operated by private contractors, and can hold up to 1000 Gallons of water.
AgustaWestland AW139
The AW139 is operated mainly by LAFD equipped with a water tank and snorkel. The AW139 can carry up to 480 Gallons of water with foam per load.
Airbus AS350
These AS350s are operated by private contractors, and can hold up to 360 Gallons of water.
UH-70 FireHawk
The FireHawk is operated mainly by CalFire & private contractor, equipped with a water tank and snorkel. The FireHawk can carry up to 1,000 Gallons of water per load.
Huey UH-1H / Bell 208
These UH-1H are operated by CalFire & other private contractors, and can hold up to 360 Gallons of water.
Bell 206
The Bell 206 is normally used by private contractors and can hoist a bucket of 216 Gallons of water.
Boeing CH-47 Chinook
These CH-47s are operated by private contractors and can hold up to 2905 Gallons of water.
Air Tactical / Support Fleet
Aero Commander AC-690
The Aero Commander AC-500 is mainly operated by private Air Attack contractors and provide the eyes in the sky for tanker aircraft and the IC. *Turbo Prop*
Aero Commander AC-500
The Aero Commander AC-500 is mainly operated by private Air Attack contractors and provide the eyes in the sky for tanker aircraft and the IC. *Piston Driven*
North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco
The OV-10 is a retired military forward air control airctaft, and is now CalFire's primary survey, lead, and air attack air frame.
King Air B200
The King Air B200 is used by a variety of companies and private contractors, and is usually used as a lead aircraft to guide tankers for their drop.
Pilatus PC-12
The PC-12 is mainly used by Colorado's fire survey support to observe, map, and categorize fires from a high altitude.
