The Role of Fire and Rescue Helicopters in Combating Wildfires Fire and rescue helicopters are indispensable tools in wildfire management, especially during the recent intense and rapidly spreading Los Angeles wildfires. These helicopters provide aerial support, enabling firefighters to access challenging terrains and deliver water and fire retardant directly to critical areas. This capability not only accelerates containment efforts but …
Tropical Storm Idalia, currently intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, is on a trajectory that could significantly impact Central Florida. As it approaches the western tip of Cuba, the storm’s life-threatening surge and perilous winds are becoming a growing concern for parts of Florida. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been vigilant in issuing advisories, emphasizing the potential …
Natural disasters can strike with little to no warning, causing widespread devastation and impacting countless lives. In the face of hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, the rapid and efficient response of relief efforts is crucial to save lives and minimize damage. Helicopters play a pivotal role in these operations, offering unique advantages that make them indispensable tools for disaster relief. …
On January 21, 2021, Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky facility in Troy, Alabama, was awarded a major MH-60T contract from the U.S. Coast Guard. The deal, valued at over $206 million, will be used to procure 25 new hulls for the Coast Guard’s MH-60T helicopter. The introduction of these new hulls will see this lifesaver aircraft fly for a minimum of ten …
Earlier this month and late last year, the US Coast Guard issued four MH-65E helicopter aircraft. Three helicopters were delivered to Air Station Port Angeles, Washington while one was taken to the Aviation Training Center located in Alabama. With this addition of four upgrades, now 14 aircraft have been updated to the Echo configuration. Now, Air Station Port is the …
On 17th December, the Kirtland Air Force Base received a new HH-60W ‘Jolly Green II’, an advanced combat search and rescue (CSAR) aircraft. Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. takes pride in it as one of its best creations. The helicopter’s name was inspired by the HH-53 ‘Super Jolly Green’ and HH-3E ‘Jolly Green’ which were pretty useful in the Vietnam …
One month after California investigators pick up critical evidence from a Pacific Gas and Electric Company [PG&E] power pole believed to be the cause of the Zogg fire, the power distribution company hired a helicopter to haul the pole to a safe zone. That happened in the concert of prosecutors, investigators, and eyewitnesses. No one ordered the company to allegedly …
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano has been erupting for the last month and recently the third stream of flowing lava was seen rolling into the ocean waters. Two United States Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion emergency helicopters were posted on standby to respond in assisting with evacuations should molten hot lava and huge fissures and cracks block escape routes. The CH-53E Super …