NSW RFS acquires Chinook
The New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service (RFS) has gained a new A$9 million (US$6 million) CH-47 Chinook
The high-capacity waterbombing helicopter was delivered to its base in the town of Richmond on 29 July.
The aircraft will be fitted with an internal tank during the winter of 2024, which will enable it to carry up to 11,000L of water or retardant. The helicopter will be capable of performing night-time aerial firefighting operations, and offers a substantial increase in NSW’s existing firefighting capabilities.
“The RFS Chinook will be the first helicopter of its kind to be permanently based in Australia,” said NSW’s Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib. “This helicopter will be a valuable asset and is one of a number of proactive steps we are taking to ensure we are prepared for bushfires in the summer ahead.
“The helicopter brings a new capability to the RFS, including the future ability to use it at night, which means we can directly attack fires at times when weather conditions are more favorable and fire activity is typically lower,” he continued. “The helicopter will be based in Richmond but can be moved around the state depending on the fire risk.”
Rob Rogers, Commissioner of the RFS, added: “The Chinook carries a similar load to a 737 Large Air Tanker but can fill up and turn around faster, protecting people and homes from fires.”
The Western Australia Police Force’s Air Wing also recently received a new five-bladed Airbus H145.