The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira: FAB) is using Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules medium transport/multirole aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) to fight fires that have spread throughout the Amazon region.
The FAB said in a 24 August press release that the service has been using two C-130s that depart from Porto Velho. The MAFFS-equipped C-130s have five water tanks and two large tubes that protrude through the rear door of the aircraft.
The FAB on 24 August used two C-130s featuring the MAFFS to fight fires that have spread in the Brazilian Amazon. Seen is the view from the rear of a C-130 using the MAFFS. (Brazilian Air Force)
The aircraft must fly over the fire area at 150 feet (46 m) altitude. The water release lasts seven seconds and is spread over the fire along a 500 m line via inertia. After dumping the water, the aircraft returns to Porto Velho for a new loading.
The aircraft are operated by the First Squadron of the First Transport Group that is headquartered in Wing 11, Rio de Janeiro. The FAB in 2006 purchased two MAFFS for its C-130Es, becoming the first user in South America, according to Jane’s Aircraft Upgrades .
The FAB on 24 August used two C-130s featuring the MAFFS to fight fires that have spread in the Brazilian Amazon. (Brazilian Air Force)
The FAB did not return a request for comment prior to publication.
Looking to read the full article?
Gain unlimited access to Janes news and more...