Coulson Aviation, a leading name in aerial firefighting, has recently announced a significant extension of its services in South America.

This expansion comes in the form of new contracts secured in Chile, marking a notable advancement in the region’s firefighting capabilities.

Coulson’s new contracts in Chile

The company has been awarded a three-year firefighting contract with Chile’s Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF).

This agreement includes the provision of a C-130H Hercules Large AirTanker and a Citation 550 air attack lead plane, in partnership with BRYSA.

Britton Coulson, President and COO of Coulson Aviation, expressed pride in continuing to support Chile with their aircraft.

Coulson Aviation has already had a successful three-year stint in Chile, using Boeing CH-47D and Lockheed C-130H aircraft.

This new contract further solidifies Coulson’s presence in Chile, offering the largest airtanker in the country and acknowledging the effectiveness of their C-130 and Citation 550 in providing an efficient and productive aerial firefighting response​​.

Advanced aerial firefighting capabilities

The Citation 550 air attack lead plane is a significant component of Coulson’s firefighting strategy.

It enables the coordination of aerial assets in firefighting operations from above, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

The jet, known for its speed and maneuverability, maintains an altitude above all firefighting helicopters and airplanes.

This strategic positioning allows the crew to direct aircraft, ensure safe separation, and increase the efficiency of overall operations.

Coulson Aviation is distinguished as the only aerial firefighting company operating Large Airtankers with Air Attack Lead Aircraft internationally​​.

The C-130H Hercules: An aerial firefighting powerhouse

The C-130H Hercules Large AirTanker, built by Lockheed Martin, is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.

It boasts a capacity of 4,000 gallons (15,000 liters) and is renowned for its range, versatility, and suppression ability per drop.

The aircraft is equipped with Coulson’s 4,000-gallon Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS-XXL), the most widely used, high-volume tanking system for Large Airtankers (LATs) globally.

This system, notable for its cost-effectiveness and lightweight design, requires no additional crew or equipment.

It offers real-time flow rate and superior drop zone coverage, while also reducing the overall pilot workload​​.

IFSJ Comment

Coulson Aviation’s recent contract in Chile signifies a major step forward in aerial firefighting capabilities in South America.

The introduction of the C-130H Hercules Large AirTanker and Citation 550 air attack lead plane not only enhances the region’s capacity to combat wildfires but also demonstrates the evolving landscape of aerial firefighting techniques.

These advancements represent a blend of technological innovation and strategic planning, crucial in addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires globally.

Coulson’s expansion in Chile underscores the importance of international collaboration in disaster response, highlighting the pivotal role of specialized aircraft in efficient and effective firefighting operations.

This development is a testament to the growing recognition of aerial firefighting as a critical component in managing forest fires, which pose a significant threat to both the environment and communities.