Additional helicopters for firefighting operations.
Here's a revised, restructured, and simplified version of the article:
The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) is getting their hands on six firefighting-ready Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, thanks to a contract with Arista Aviation Services. This player in the aviation world specializes in the repair, overhaul, and modernization of the UH-60 Black Hawk[1].
These choppers are equipped to transport a team of 12 fully geared firefighters and a whopping 2,950 liters of water per flight, with a flight autonomy of 2:30[1]. The first two helicopters have already been delivered (in November 2023), and the third is on its way in December 2024[1].
The crew from Squadron 551 is currently busy acquiring the necessary qualifications to operate this air vehicle and carry out their missions[1]. They're aiming to wrap up this process next year[1]. It's crucial to ensure extensive training, as combatting rural fires and ground force projection are demanding tasks[1].
The Portuguese Government transferred funds for handling rural fires to the Air Force in 2018[1]. This led to the signing of contracts for the acquisition of six UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, with the Recovery and Resilience Plan providing the main financing[1]. The delivery of the remaining helicopters is scheduled for the end of 2026[1].
[1] Based on the article[2] Enrichment Data: The Portuguese Government's contract with Arista Aviation Services won over original equipment manufacturers Leonardo and Bell Helicopter, with the helicopters being equipped for rural firefighting missions.[3] Enrichment Data: The FAA-approved fire suppression tank system for UH-60 helicopters allows for fast installation without major modifications, facilitating their operational deployment in Portugal.
Amidst the news of the Portuguese Air Force's acquisition of six firefighting-ready Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, one might also find interest in the fact that Portugal is also boosting its technology sector. These gadget enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the latest gadget to join Portugal's technological arsenal is the state-of-the-art firefighting system installed in these helicopters, an advancement in technology that will aid Portugal in combating rural fires more effectively.
