Company Adds Additional DC-10 Airtanker to Fleet
Company Adds Additional DC-10 Airtanker to Fleet
11 August 2014
published by www.jrn.com
USA — A third DC-10 will join the Forest Service airtanker fleet for remainder of fire season.
Albuquerque-based 10 Tanker Air Carrier has completed the modification of its third DC-10 Large Airtanker for aerial firefighting. The aircraft has been converted exclusively for dropping retardant on wildland fires, and is expected to make a significant contribution to the ongoing effort this fire season.
The US Forest Service has designated the new aircraft as Tanker 912, and it will join the company’s existing DC-10 Tankers, 910 and 911, for the remainder of the fire season. The three aircraft will work under an exclusive use contract with the Forest Service helping to combat fires threatening lives and property in the Western U.S.
“The DC-10 is increasingly being recognized as the most innovative, cost effective and operationally effective airtanker working today” says Rick Hatton, the President and CEO of 10 Tanker. “It has retardant-carrying capacity, speed, and maneuverability that are setting new standards in the industry.”
The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at company headquarters in Albuquerque NM the week of August 11th for certification with the Forest Service, after which it will be dispatched where requested by fire managers.