Coulson Aviation launches Boeing 767 Very Large Airtanker program
The Boeing 767 airtanker, when completed, will complement Coulson Aviation’s existing fleet, which includes C-130H Hercules and 737 Fireliners
Aerial firefighting firm Coulson Aviation USA has announced the launch of its Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) program, which aims to incorporate the firm’s internal tank Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS) into the Boeing 767 airframe.
The core goal of the project is to “provide a sustainable replacement for legacy VLAT platforms nearing the end of their operational service life”, which is creating “a significant reduction in high-capacity, large-scale retardant delivery capability”.
Coulson Aviation stated that the value of the project was highlighted by the recent grounding of US MD-11 and DC-10 fleets in late 2025, following the crash of a UPS-operated MD-11 in Louisville, Kentucky.
The company also said that the Boeing 767 VLAT would “complement and augment” its fleet of airtankers, which include the C-130H Hercules and the 737 Fireliner.
“The firefighting community is seeing rapid changes in available airframe types, and agencies need solutions that are safe, efficient, and supportable for decades,” said Britt Coulson, President and CEO of Coulson Aviation USA. “The 767 is a proven wide-body platform with global support, parts availability, modern systems, and compelling operating economics. Our program builds on those strengths and will deliver performance beyond what legacy VLATs can provide.”
The company added four Hercules aircraft to its global aerial firefighting fleet in April 2025.
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.