HANGAR TALK Industry news relevant to your business
Coulson Aviation Continues to Advance Aerial Firefighting Industry Through Partnership with Kawak Aviation to Develop Improved Firefighting Black Hawk Platform
Coulson Aviation recently announced its partnership with Kawak Aviation to launch a modern, upgraded, and more cost- effective firefighting Black Hawk aircraft platform. The world’s largest aerial firefighting company that designs, manufactures, installs, and operates aircraft, Coulson is leading the innovative charge for the proven UH-60-based firefighting aircraft to help ensure a safe solution for every customer and budget.
“The original firefighting Black Hawk was first brought to market more than 25 years ago, and there has been no innovation or significant improvement on the platform since,” says Coulson Aviation President and COO Britton Coulson. “By leveraging our design, manufacturing, installation, and operating experience, we’ve made several significant improvements to not only boost the aircraft’s capabilities and safety but also provide access to the platform within various budgets. Partnering with Kawak is a big piece of that work.”
Coulson’s firefighting Black Hawk aircraft platform will feature several modernization innovations to increase operational capabilities and safety. It includes a redesigned Retardant Aerial Delivery System III (RADS-III) belly tank system developed in partnership with Kawak. While it continues to carry 1,000 gallons (3,800 liters), the system is lighter, includes an updated
32 Mar/Apr 2024
control system, utilizes a faster pump system that reduces tank filling to 40 seconds, can better execute dense drop patterns, and corrects vibration issues common on the S-70 with the older tank.
“Kawak’s culture is steeped in innovation, and when we brought the RADS-III into our portfolio in 2011, we knew we had an extraordinary opportunity to improve the dated system to make it more efficient and effective for operators,” said Andrew Mills, VP of business development. “As the IP owner of the RADS system, Coulson was the ideal partner to support designing an updated S70i- and UH-60-compatible system that increases efficiency and performance for operators.”
Other Coulson firefighting Black Hawk modernizations include extended landing gear to accommodate the belly-mounted tank, and Donaldson inlet barrier filters for increased engine protection, reliability, and efficient operation. The aircraft also features next-generation NVG technology, avionics, and onboard cameras to support reduced pilot workload while increasing situational awareness and overall mission effectiveness. The Coulson firefighting Black Hawk program itself is designed to support a variety of customer needs and budgets. Coulson can complete a firefighting Black Hawk from a new Sikorsky S70i helicopter or help procure a government surplus UH-60 and provide complete conversion to a Coulson firefighting Black Hawk.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
