Airtankers
In 1956, World War II bomber aircraft were converted into airtankers for wildland firefighting. Some retired passenger aircraft were also transformed and used as aerial resources. These large planes are fitted with fixed tanks for dropping retardant or water.
Airtankers carry retardant, a mixture of phosphates, clay, and water. They drop their loads to create a fire barrier, slowing the fire so ground firefighting crews can build firelines and slow or stop the progress of the fire.
Suppression tactics with airtankers consist of cooling and slowing the fire by laying a "wet line" of retardant along the flanks of the fire to support the firefighters on the ground. Airtankers are privately owned and operated under contract to government agencies.
Modular Airborne FireFighting Systems (MAFFS).
MAFFS provide emergency capability to supplement contract airtankers on wildfires. This is a joint program with the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.
More information on MAFFS
IAB
2008
Procedures and Criteria
Comment Period Closes
April 21st, 2008
"Click here
for documents"
Interagency Airtanker Board:
IAB Charter (html)
IAB Listing (PDF File) (XLS File)
IAB Procedures and Criteria (html)
IAB Briefing Paper (PDF File) (MS Word)
IAB Recent Submissions:
- Probationary Airtanker Evaluation (pdf file)
- Interagency Airtanker Board Probationary Evaluation (pdf file)
- Supertanker Evaluation Form
(pdf file)