FAA approval given to Chinook firefighting tank
Helitak has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a new CH-47 Chinook firefighting tank
The Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), awarded on 3 January 2024, allows the aerial firefighting water tank to be sold on the commercial market.
The tank, known as the FT-11K, is the result of several years of development. It can be fitted to any CH-47 rotorcraft without the need for modification to the landing gear or external structure of the aircraft.
It was developed in partnership with launch customer ROTAK Helicopter Services, through an agreement signed in mid-2022.
The tank has a capacity of 11,000L, with an empty weight of 880kg and a full weight of 12,000kg. It can take on a full load of water in 60 seconds.
Australia’s Green Triangle Fire Alliance recently leased a Bell 204B firefighting helicopter under a three-year contract.
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.