Fire-fighting aircraft shown to Australians

Press, 23 February 1987, Page 7

Fire-fighting aircraft shown to Australians

NZPA-AAP Melbourne A new fire-fighting aircraft developed in Canada went through its paces before fire authority officials from four Australian states at West Sale in eastern Victoria recently. The demonstration for officials from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania was arranged by the Victorian division of the National Safety Council of Australia (N.S.C.A.). The Fokker F 27 was converted from passenger use by the Canadian company Conair Aviation. It is described as the world’s newest firefighting aircraft, and used

computers to ensure accurate and effective dropping of fire retardant or water from its 6350 litre tank. It can carry nine personnel and equipment. The Victorian Conservation, Forests and Lands Department’s central fire service co-ordinator, Ross Penny, said the demonstration resulted from an exchange of information between the National Safety Council and Canadian fire-fighting authorities.

The Conair F 27 is replacing DC6s in Canada’s fire-fighting service. It will be in Australia for 90 days for demonstrations

at Mount Gambier in south Australia and in Canberra.

Mr Penny said officials would assess the aircraft’s usefulness under Australian conditions.

The Victorian department does not own firefighting aircraft but can call on various privately owned smaller planes and helicopters for emergency use. As well, the N.S.C.A. can supply helicopters fitted with belly tanks. Mr Penny said the logical buyer for the F 27 would be the N.S.C.A., if it found the plane also could be used for rescue, coastal surveillance and other and other work.