After the training, the Brazilian Air Force will be ready to carry out the Fire Fighting in Flight mission with the KC-390 Millennium aircraft.
Air Force Agency: 1st GTT, Sgt. Jessica
The First Troop Transport Group (1st GTT) – Zeus Squadron, began on July 15, at Campo Grande Air Base, the Fire Fighting in Flight training with the KC-390 Millennium aircraft. After the training, which will be held until July 23, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) will be ready to carry out missions of this type with the multi-mission aircraft.
The operational training represents an important step for the crews of the 1st GTT and for the ground teams, enabling them to perform a safe operation, since the flights are conducted in a flat, lateral and descending launch zone, simulating employment in the most diverse reliefs, at an approximate height of 150 feet or 46 meters high.
The takeoff of the aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS II), provides the KC-390 Millennium with the necessary functionality to perform the Fire Fighting in Flight action.
The commander of the 1st GTT, Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Américo Pereira, says that the objective of the training is to incorporate another aircraft capability. “Able to perform the specific procedures of the Air Force Action regarding Fire Fighting in Flight, this is a very challenging mission, due to its characteristic low launches, close to the relief, which requires a lot from the crew,” he explains.
The MAFFS II equipment has a tube that projects water through the left rear door of the aircraft, being able to discharge up to 3,000 gallons – approximately 11,300 liters – of water in fire areas, with or without fire retardant, according to the standard ground cover level criteria and in various types of terrain. With this system it is possible to keep the aircraft pressurized, i.e. without compromising the KC-390’s performance, being more efficient than the first generation MAFFS. In addition, the ground reservoir – the place used to refuel the aircraft – has a capacity of 22,000 liters of water.
The MAFFS II can be quickly installed or removed from the aircraft’s cargo bay from its own trailer. The system requires only electrical power from the aircraft for operation.
Widely used since its entry into operation, such as the FAB’s C-130 Hercules aircraft, the MAFFS is evaluated as one of the simplest, most complete and functional firefighting tools. Therefore, it is a highly advantageous element in firefighting operations, since it has the capacity to carry a large volume of water and flame retardants, in addition to being able to be quickly installed on any compatible aircraft, due to its modularity characteristic.
Photos: Major Daniel Souza, Captain Handa and Petty Officer Agacy / 1st GTT *** Translated by the DEFCONPress FYI Team ***