The addition of the Helitak FT5000 system will allow S-92A operators to capitalize on the aircraft’s versatility by operating it as a standard category aircraft.
Milestone Aviation Group Limited, in collaboration with Australian firefighting equipment designer and manufacturer Helitak Firefighting Equipment Pty Ltd, has announced that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate for the FT5000 fire tank. This certification authorizes the installation of the FT5000 on the Sikorsky S-92A helicopter.
Pat Sheedy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Milestone, said, “We are delighted to earn certification for this unique fire tank and introduce a new mission to the S-92A as a next-generation, multi-purpose firefighting platform. The Milestone and Helitak teams have worked tirelessly to create a solution that harnesses the advanced capabilities and versatility of the S-92A, combined with Helitak’s innovative tank design, I would like to thank our partners at Helitak for their dedication and collaboration on this important project. Furthermore, we’re very pleased to work with VIH for the immediate deployment of this pioneering firefighting solution that will greatly enhance their ability to fight wildfires.”
The first ever S-92A helicopter equipped with an FT5000 fire tank was recently delivered to launch customer VIH Aviation Group (“VIH”), a Canadian helicopter operator. Once in service, it will be deployed on firefighting missions across Western Canada.
Jason Schellaars, Founder & CEO, Helitak, said, “The S-92A presented some unique design challenges for the Helitak team, but after working with our project partner, Milestone, we believe we have delivered a world-class firefighting solution. With older S-92As coming out of the offshore market, the addition of the Helitak FT5000 system will allow S-92A operators to capitalize on the aircraft’s versatility by operating it as a standard category aircraft.”
This industry-first firefighting platform integrates the Sikorsky S-92A’s distinctive capabilities with Helitak’s lightweight, carbon fiber FT5000 system. The FT5000 features a retractable, belly-mounted fire suppression tank with a capacity of 5,000 liters (1,320 US gallons).
Jen Norie, Chief Operating Officer, VIH, said, “We are very pleased to introduce the first utility configured Sikorsky S-92A helicopter into the Canadian commercial market with the launch phase specifically intended to support government agencies in wildfire suppression. We believe that the dependability, speed and advanced technological capabilities of this aircraft, paired with the Helitak FT5000 tank and VIH’s extensive operational experience will significantly enhance the service VIH is able to provide to customers, and positions VIH for its next phase of growth.”
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Leveraging the advanced avionics and versatile cabin layout of the S-92A, the aircraft will be equipped to transport up to 19 firefighters directly to wildfire front lines.
