Planes to the Rescue: Airliners Get Wildfire-Fighting Makeovers

Aviation innovation takes flight, transforming passenger jets into aerial firefighters. The focus is on rapid response capabilities, as companies develop novel approaches to battling wildfires from above. This is happening as summer fire seasons intensify worldwide.

Aviation Firm’s Bold Idea

The French company, Aerotec & Concept, based in Blagnac, has unveiled plans to convert airliners into water bombers. The initial design phase is complete for modifying an Open72 aircraft to become a direct-attack bomber. This aircraft is intended for quick, targeted fire suppression missions, according to the company.

A second project, set to transform an A319, a medium-sized plane, into a heavy bomber for indirect fire attacks, is also in progress. The company anticipates the completion of the modifications to take place by 2027.

Ambitious Projects for the Future

Aerotec & Concept, established in 1989, specializes in aircraft modifications. They collaborate with top global equipment manufacturers, including Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, and Garmin.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2024, over 60,000 wildfires consumed over 8.5 million acres in the United States alone, highlighting the urgent need for advanced firefighting tools (NIFC Statistics).

Details on the Conversion Process

The transformation of commercial aircraft into water bombers involves significant adaptations. These modifications are essential to ensure the device’s performance and reliability. The initial design phase has concluded, and the aircraft is set to be delivered to Kepplair by mid-2027.

The project, which began in November 2024, involves converting an A319 to a heavy camera for indirect attacks. Neptune Aviation is the planned recipient of the modified aircraft in 2027.

The company’s modifications have collaborated with large equipment manufacturers, such as Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, Garmin or Universal Avionics.