Three of the world's aerial firefighting agencies are equipping their helicopters with the Goodrich 44318, the newest rescue hoist from Collins Aerospace Systems. The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) selected the hoist for their S-70i Firehawk helicopters, while the Santa Barbara County Fire Department (SBCFD) selected the hoist for an HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter it is converting to aerial firefighting configuration.

The Goodrich 44318 is a technically advanced rescue hoist, boasting a number of improvements over the Goodrich 44311, which has been flying on LACoFD's S-70A Firehawk helicopters since they entered service nearly two decades ago. The new hoist meets regulatory agencies' current requirements for human external cargo, meaning people can stay on the line longer for transport or rescue missions; features a 600 pound max lift load; and allows operators to continuously rescue multiple victims without a cool down period. The 44318 is currently in service on several platforms, among them the Leonardo AW189, Airbus EC225 and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries UH-60J.

“As Firehawk fleets expand, Collins Aerospace is proud that operators continue to equip them with Goodrich rescue hoists,” says director of business development for hoist and winch Nick Demogines. “We are honoured to deliver innovative, reliable solutions to our customers to support their life-saving missions.”