Two of Bridger Aerospace's Scoopers landed in Arizona today to assist in an increase in wildfire activity! The CL-415EAF aircraft, also known as the "Super Scooper," is highly effective at fighting wildfires due to several key features and capabilities: 1) Water Scooping Capability: The Scooper can scoop over 1,400 gallons of water from a nearby body of water in just 10-12 seconds. Allowing for rapid turnaround times between drops, increasing the frequency and efficiency of firefighting efforts. 2) Versatility: Operating in both fresh and saltwater, makes it versatile for various geographic locations. Allowing quick access to water sources for firefighting operations without needing to return to a tanker base for refills such as Single Engine Air Tankers and Large Air Tankers. 3) Direct Water Drop: The Scooper can perform precise water drops directly over the fire, which helps in controlling and extinguishing the flames effectively. The aircraft's design allows for low altitude flying, ensuring accurate water delivery. 4) Durability and Design: Built to withstand the rigors of wildfire environments, the Scooper has a rugged airframe designed for the stresses of repeated water scooping and dropping. Its high-wing design and engines enhance its stability and performance during firefighting missions. 5) Speed and Maneuverability: The Scooper can reach speeds just over 200 mph, allowing it to quickly reach the fire zone. Its maneuverability enables it to operate in challenging terrains and make multiple drops in quick succession. 6) Crew Efficiency: The aircraft requires a crew of only two pilots. Scoopers are not dependent on opening a tanker base which requires 6-8 additional government support personnel which reduces the complexity of operations allowing for rapid deployment and coordination. 7) Multi-Role Capability: Scoopers can also be used for other roles such as search & rescue, surveillance, environmental monitoring & oil spill response, making it a versatile asset for multiple disasters. These features collectively make the Super Scooper a highly effective tool in combating wildfires, allowing for quick response times, efficient water delivery, and adaptability to various firefighting scenarios. #wildfire #Arizona #aviation
Scoopers 285 (Devil's Brigade) and 286 (Matthew) left Bozeman this morning to aid the teams fighting fires in Arizona. As the fire season heats up, the Bridger team is ready to go, supporting firefighters on the ground, and helping save the lives and property threatened by wildfires. #aerialfirefighter #fireseason #firefighter #arizona
