 dkmacin wrote: |
So a "fire fighting" helo is different than a helitack helo?
I have visions of a fire fighter being the type that dumps water or chemical on the fire while the other is a "troop" (fire fighter) carrier? Am I close?
Don
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Sort of, helitack is a fire crew that works out of / supports a firefighting helicopter, this can be a small ground based crew that basically just takes care of the helicopters needs or a crew carried onboard the helicopter which is inserted near a remote fire and is then supported by the helicopter which makes water drops. The smaller Type 2 (Bell 205, 212) and Type 3 (Bell 206) helicopters typically can be used to carry a crew or make water drops depending on need. Most of the larger Type 1 helicopters(Vertol 107, S61, S64) are dedicated water droppers although there are some that carry 20 person helishot crews, those that carry 1000 gallons or more are considered helitankers.
Hope that helps explain things somewhat.
I didn't see the firebirds build, I'll have to go check that out.