Air tanker 23, a P3 Orion (N923AU), appeared at Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland June 28 as promised. The airport conducted what they called a “media day”, allowing media personnel to view the aircraft. The public was not invited.
The video below from Cory Reppenhagen of Nine News (@CReppWx) shows Tanker 23 dropping. The announced plan was for it to drop BLAZETAMER380, a water enhancing gel that looks similar to water when released by an air tanker.
Demonstration today of a new bomber available to fight Colorado wildfires. Nice drop along the still snowy Front Range peaks #9wx pic.twitter.com/GSlTegiEuu
— Cory Reppenhagen (@CReppWx) June 28, 2019
The state of Colorado has a Call When Needed contract with Airstrike Firefighters that would allow the company’s fleet of P3s to be used in the state if they are available. Airstrike is working to restore seven P3s that were formerly operated by Aero Union.
Buffalo Airways and Airstrike are working together to restore Tanker 22.
More photos of the P3s in the hangar at McClellan.
It’s good to see these back in service. Been on a few fires with these tankers.
Thanks Brian, glad you are a fan!
What’s the tank capacity? 3000USG or 2500?
3,000 gallons
They are not certified to haul 3000 gallons yet. Waiting for re-engineering, paperwork etc.
The aircraft does not meet next gen requirements.
So are they not certified at all as of now or certified with a lower capacity? And what was that capacity when last they flew assuming hey had a reduced load then?
Bill is right the physical capacity is 3,000 gallons. They are IAB certified to 22,950lbs, which is 2,550 gallons of retardant. More if you carry water or enhancers.