Helitak secures FAA approval for Bell 412 firefighting tank

Australian aerial firefighting equipment manufacturer Helitak has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) supplemental type certification (STC) for its FT1800 fixed firefighting tank system on the Bell 412 helicopter, enabling US operators to install the system on existing aircraft.

The tank has a capacity of 1,800L (476gal) and supports hover filling, allowing crews to collect water while the helicopter remains airborne. The belly-mounted system is removable, with installation taking approximately 15–20 minutes, according to Helitak.

The configuration requires no permanent aircraft modification, allowing the Bell 412 to return to other utility missions when the tank is removed. This flexibility could benefit operators balancing aerial firefighting with other operational requirements.

The Bell 412 is used by government, military, and commercial operators worldwide. FAA approval under STC SR04642-CH provides a certified installation pathway for the FT1800 on the medium twin-engine helicopter, expanding the equipment options available to existing fleets.

Helitak is also working to validate the certification with civil aviation authorities in other countries, with further approvals expected to be announced as they are completed.

The international validation process will determine where operators outside the US can install and use the system under local regulatory frameworks.

The approval comes as helicopter operators continue to require equipment that can be configured for specialist missions without permanently limiting an aircraft’s versatility. For Bell 412 fleets, the removable FT1800 offers a dedicated firefighting configuration while preserving the option to switch back to other roles.

GPS solution developer Tabula has partnered with Helitak to integrate their technology and improve wildfire intelligence gathering.