Upgraded Chinook helicopter boosts firefighting capabilities in NSW


Iain Hoey
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Upgraded Chinook enhances water capacity and night operations
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has announced upgrades to its CH-47 Chinook helicopter, enhancing its ability to combat fires across the state.
The Chinook now features an internal tank capable of holding 11,000 litres of water.
This replaces a temporary 10,000-litre bucket, enabling faster water refills, improved safety, and the ability to conduct night-time operations when fire intensity is generally lower.
The upgrade provides a permanent solution for aerial firefighting, making the Chinook the largest water-carrying firefighting helicopter in Australia, second only to the Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker in the RFS fleet.
Expanded aerial fleet supports fire response across NSW
The Chinook is part of the RFS’s extensive aerial firefighting fleet, which is the largest in Australia.
This season’s fleet includes the Boeing 737 ‘Marie Bashir’, two Cessna Citations, one King Air fixed-wing aircraft, and six Bell 412 helicopters.
Operating from multiple bases, including Richmond, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, and Cooma, the fleet is further supplemented by over 200 additional aircraft available through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre and other agreements.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: “This new capability to safely conduct aerial waterbombing at night is a game-changer for our response, allowing for faster turnarounds and greater capacity to protect people and properties.”
Strategic partnerships strengthen firefighting readiness
The Chinook operates as part of a strategic partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force, using RAAF Base Richmond as its home base.
This collaboration enhances NSW’s ability to deploy robust and versatile firefighting resources as needed.
Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service Rob Rogers stated: “The RFS is prepared to deploy our robust and versatile fleet wherever and whenever needed to protect communities and respond swiftly to fires across NSW.”
The helicopter has already proven its value in combatting fires across New South Wales, marking its role as one of the few Chinooks globally used for firefighting.
Encouragement for community readiness
As the summer months approach, the RFS is urging residents to prepare their properties and emergency plans.
Minister Dib said: “We can never be too prepared for summer, and the upgraded Chinook makes the RFS aerial fleet even stronger in the fight against fires.”
He added: “Communities across the state should also do their bit by checking the readiness of their properties and their plan in the event of an emergency.”
Upgraded Chinook helicopter boosts firefighting capabilities in NSW: Summary
The NSW Rural Fire Service has enhanced its firefighting capabilities with upgrades to the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, increasing its water capacity to 11,000 litres and enabling night-time operations.
The Chinook, part of Australia’s largest state firefighting fleet, now provides a safer and more efficient response to fires.
Supported by the Royal Australian Air Force and over 200 additional aircraft, the RFS is prepared for the upcoming summer season.
Authorities are urging communities to prepare their properties and emergency plans to mitigate fire risks.