A few days ago, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) took delivery of one of its new C-390Ms from
Embraer
for the first time to fight fires. In Corumbá in the Pantanal region (MS), an aircraft from the 1st Transport Squadron (1st GTT) of the “Zeus” squadron deployed from Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) carried out several extinguishing agent drops. According to reports, the Federal Army is also interested in equipping a corresponding extinguishing system.
The flights took place at low altitude, at low speed and in high temperatures. According to the FAB report, the complete fly-by-wire flight control system reduces the “pilot’s workload and maximizes the efficiency of firefighting”. Furthermore, a continuously calculated release point enables high precision when releasing the extinguishing agent.
The Embraer multi-role aircraft is equipped with a modular airborne firefighting system (MAFFS) that can be retrofitted to perform in-flight firefighting operations. The MAFFS equipment has a pipe that feeds extinguishing agent or water through the left rear door of the aircraft and can discharge up to 3,000 gallons – approximately 12,000 liters – of water into fire areas.
This system significantly increases the effectiveness of firefighting operations, for example by extinguishing a firebreak and the pressure wave of the impact in or against the fire. And by lowering from a side door – unlike via the stern, for example – the material structure of the entire rear hull is not stressed by the considerable weight changes. However, filling up on the ground between missions results in longer spans in the presence than with helicopters on the ground – albeit carrying much less load. For this reason, the decision to carry out such a mission always depends on the type of fire and the terrain.
The MAFFS is a COTS system that has been in use since 2007 by the
Californian US supplier Aero Union
since 2007. It can be installed in or removed from the aircraft’s cargo hold relatively quickly from its own trailer. The system only requires an on-board power supply to operate. It also has its own transportable ground tank for refilling water or extinguishing agents on the ground, with a capacity of 22,000 liters.
According to Militär Aktuell, the system is also likely to be of interest to the Austrian Armed Forces. As is well known, Austria has decided to purchase four C-390Ms in a cooperative procurement process together with the Netherlands (
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