Aerotech Black Hawks added to national firefighting fleet.

Parafield-based Aerotech has added a further two Black Hawk helicopters to its fleet as part of a government multi-hazard capability to be deployed this summer.

The two aircraft, which can relocate to any state and territory at short notice depending on fire risk and incident location, can drop 4000 litres of water per load, and bring the Aerotech Black Hawk fleet to a total of seven.

“These Black Hawks will be configured for firefighting operations, but they will also be available to assist with other emergencies such as floods and cyclones," said Aerotech CEO Chris Boyd.

"Each helicopter will be set up, staffed and equipped to operate independently including pilots, engineer, fuel truck and sufficient parts to sustain it in the field.

“The majority of our fleet are based in South Australia over summer including Parafield Airport, Adelaide Hills, the Mid North, Mt Gambier and Port Lincoln, but we are seeing more and more our aircraft supporting firefighting operations across Australia and overseas.

“Three of our Black Hawk helicopters have just returned from supporting firefighting operations in Indonesia and six fire-bombing Air Tractors based in France, in addition to several aircraft in our fleet currently operating in Queensland and Northern Territory for their fire season.”

Founded in 1968, Aerotech employs 140 people and has a fleet of 40 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft operating the full range of GA missions from firefighting and oil spill management, to construction, aerial ag and executive charter.

Watch the 7 News report below, on the addition of three Aerotech Black Hawks to the national firefighting fleet.