The Milestone Aviation Group Limited, together with Australian firefighting equipment designer and manufacturer Helitak Firefighting Equipment Pty Ltd (Helitak), announced today that the FAA has approved an STC that will allow Helitak’s FT5000 fire tank to be fitted on Sikorsky S-92As.
The first S-92A equipped with an FT5000 fire tank was recently delivered to launch customer Canadian operator VIH Aviation Group. Once in service, it will be deployed on firefighting missions across Western Canada.
“We are delighted to earn certification for this unique fire tank and introduce a new mission to the S-92A as a next-generation, multi-purpose firefighting platform. The Milestone and Helitak teams have worked tirelessly to create a solution that harnesses the advanced capabilities and versatility of the S-92A, combined with Helitak’s innovative tank design,” said Pat Sheedy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milestone.
“I would like to thank our partners at Helitak for their dedication and collaboration on this important project. Furthermore, we’re very pleased to work with VIH for the immediate deployment of this pioneering firefighting solution that will greatly enhance their ability to fight wildfires,” added Jason Schellaars, founder and CEO of Helitak. “The S-92A presented some unique design challenges for the Helitak team, but after working with our project partner, Milestone, we believe we have delivered a world-class firefighting solution. With older S-92As coming out of the offshore market, the addition of the Helitak FT5000 system will allow S-92A operators to capitalise on the aircraft’s versatility by operating it as a standard category aircraft.”
Photo: Milestone
