By TTA Blog
TTA Delivers Effective, Efficient, Safe Solutions that Help Ensure the Safety and Airworthiness of Rotorcraft
In this ongoing series, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA) highlights the various aircraft types presently in service around the world. Join us as we explore the roles they play in the industries they serve and the challenges they may see in performing their important duties day by day, year after year, all across the globe. We also wish to underscore the key role that MROs like TTA play behind the scenes in providing overhaul, repair, and modification of engines and airframe accessory components that keep such aircraft flying properly, safely – and long into the future.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Firefighting Demands the Right Machine for the Job
Helicopters are often the most successful platforms from which to control, extinguish, and rescue victims of wildfires. An incident report from the State of California for the year 2023 indicates the following sobering statistics:
- 288,000 total emergency responses
- 3,370 wildfires
- 21,743 acres burned
As a result of all of these incidents, zero civilians and zero firefighters were lost, while only four structures were destroyed.
Why is the rotorcraft so incredibly useful in fighting wildfires?
- Aerial Observation: Helicopters provide a bird’s-eye view of the fire with perspective that helps in making crucial decisions about resource allocation and strategy.
- Water Bucket Drops: Helicopters equipped with water buckets or tanks can make precise water drops directly onto the flames or hotspots and preventing further spread.
- Transportation: Helicopters can rapidly transport firefighters, equipment, and supplies, while also evacuating people in danger or injured personnel from remote locations.
- Retardant Drops: Some helicopters are equipped to drop fire retardant chemicals, which can help slow down or contain the spread of wildfires.
- Night Operations: With the aid of night vision technology, helicopters can continue firefighting after dark when ground crews might be limited in their ability to operate.
- Rapid Response: Helicopters can be quickly deployed to wildfires, especially in the early stages when prompt action is crucial the initial hours of an incident.
One of the most heavily depended on aircraft types used in fighting wildfires in the Western U.S. – the Sikorski S-70 FIREHAWK. This amazing and versatile workhorse plays a vital role in wildfire suppression by providing tactical support, delivering resources, and enabling rapid response in challenging environments.
A 100-Year History of Sikorsky
But first, let’s take a look back, at the 100-year history of Sikorsky Aircraft Company (1923 – 2023), which is now a Lockheed Martin company.
Founder Igor Sikorsky came to America inspired with dreams about designing and building aircraft for a nascent industry, 100 years ago. And that is exactly what he did! His company began as Sikorsky Aero Engineering Company on a chicken farm near Roosevelt Field, in Long Island, New York. Sikorsky and his small team of engineers, along with a skilled band of employees, created an entirely new bird, so to speak, in the aviation world, with the first practical helicopter. This invention, in the capable hands of aircrews around the world, has since become a powerful tool for saving lives and performing missions in the direst and most dangerous conditions.
You can see a variety of Sikorsky aircraft at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, including the YH-19, JRS-1, XR-4, and HH-52A Seaguard. #Sikorsky100 https://t.co/rO2pucKk4o.
High winds, smoke, night skies, flying when and where others can’t.
The FIREHAWK at birth, was named the BLACK HAWK and was a military platform. The FIREHAWK relies on its proven military design to endure the unrelenting physical stresses demanded of aerial firefighting and utility missions.
As a firefighting machine, one of the most remarkable stats is the fact that it can refill its entire water tank of 1,000 gallons in 45 seconds! So, during a mountainside fire, like what’s taking place with greater and great frequency in the state of California, it can fight the fire on one mountain, and then quickly traverse to an adjacent mountain lake where it hovers while replenishing its tanks with a quick 1,000-gallon sip of life-saving water – and then be back on top of the fire in minutes. Now that’s impressive!
The new iteration, S-70i brings enhanced capabilities like 4g maneuverability when fully loaded, a stronger airframe, and greater water drop control. It is reconfigurable in minutes into a platform capable of seating 13 firefighters for transport as well as a medevac chopper with life-saving agility and abilities.
A Variety of Older Sikorsky Aircraft
- HH-60 Pave Hawk – Combat search and rescue
- S-92 Superhawk – Medium-lift multirole transport
- CH-53K King Stallion – Heavy-lift transport
- CH-148 Cyclone – Maritime multi-role
- VH-92 Marine One – Medium lift VIP
In Recent News
In March of 2024, Aviation International News (AIN) noted that Sikorsky is increasing production of its S-92 Helibus, Sikorsky’s largest civil helicopter.
In December of 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), as reported by AIN, announced it would rebuild 45 of its MH-60T JAWHAKS with new airframes. The USCG reports that JAYHAWKS have flown 730,430 hours since 1990, conducting 48,300 search and rescue missions, and saving 11,900 lives.
Looking Ahead
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, introduces RAIDER X, its concept for a fast, agile, survivable compound coaxial helicopter that will equip future aviators to address evolving peer and near-peer threats in the most difficult environments.
RAIDER X is specifically designed as a prototype for the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) prototype competition, part of the service’s effort to revolutionize its enduring aircraft fleet as part of what is known as Future Vertical Lift.
About Thrust Tech Accessories
Thrust Tech Accessories proudly supports several operators of multi-mission rotorcraft aircraft such as Sikorsky helicopters, along with operators of regional airlines, business jets, and other small aircraft around the globe. Our capabilities include testing, repair service, overhaul service, and of course fast and reliable turn-around times. To find out more about TTA’s wide-ranging capabilities to support your fleet and to obtain competitive program bids, contact us via email at TTAsales@TrustTech.com or by calling 954-984-0450.
PHOTO CREDIT: Unsplash
