VIH Helicopters, a Canadian helicopter operator and a subsidiary of the VIH Aviation Group of Companies based in British Columbia, is to operate the first Sikorsky S-92A equipped with the FT5000 fire tank by Helitak Firefighting Equipment. The tank was recently certified by the FAA in partnership with Milestone Aviation Group.An STC has been granted.

This industry-first firefighting platform combines the unique capabilities of the S-92A with Helitak's lightweight, carbon fibre FT5000 system, which includes a retractable belly-mounted fire suppression tank with a 5,000-litre (1,320 US gallons) capacity.

Jen Norie, chief operating officer, VIH, says: “We are very pleased to introduce the first utility configured Sikorsky S-92A helicopter into the Canadian commercial market with the launch phase specifically intended to support government agencies in wildfire suppression. We believe that the dependability, speed and advanced technological capabilities of this aircraft, paired with the Helitak FT5000 tank and VIH's extensive operational experience will significantly enhance the service VIH is able to provide to customers, and positions VIH for its next phase of growth.”

“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,” says Pat Sheedy, president and chief executive officer, 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 its ability to fight wildfires.”

Jason Schellaars, founder and CEO, Helitak, states: “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.”

Specifically designed for the S-92A, the tank can be installed or removed in minutes and is equipped with a hover pump that achieves a fill time of 48 seconds. Utilising the advanced avionics and dynamic cabin layout of the S-92A, the aircraft will be capable of transporting crews of up to 19 firefighters to the front lines of wildfire events.