Colorado unveils new firefighting helicopter
The S-70 Firehawk is due to enter regular service this May, following several years of delays
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control unveiled its new S-70 Firehawk helicopter at a press event at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport on 17 April.
The aircraft, originally purchased in 2021 and delivered the following year, has been beset by technical issues and delays – including an engine recall.
However, it is now expected to enter regular operation on 10 May, following the completion of final acceptance tests next week.
A second Firehawk, ordered in 2023, is due to enter service next year as part of the US state’s efforts to increase the operational independence of its aerial firefighting operations.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.