Arcus Fire today announced its new single-engine, high-wing, large-utility turboprop – the Firecatcher F-45. The aircraft is initially targeted as a single-engine air tanker for the world’s growing problem of wildfires and is designed to carry 4,500 liters of water or retardant quickly to the fireline.
The aircraft has been designed by Flight Structures Ltd of Hamilton New Zealand and is being built by Pacific Aerospace who also manufactures the PAC 750, used extensively across the world in agricultural spraying, parachuting, and surveying.
“Pacific Aerospace has been designing and building some of the world’s most high performing and versatile aircraft for over seventy years”, said Mark Crouch, CEO. “We understand what matters in aircraft design and are thrilled to be working with Arcus Fire and Flight Structures on this exciting new aircraft development. There is a huge market gap to be filled with high performance, high capability single-engine design that will keep operating costs affordable, and maintenance requirements manageable.”
About the Firecatcher F-45
Built for initial attack wildfire operations, the Firecatcher F-45 will initially be offered in Restricted Category with an impressive 4,500-liter hopper and new design of fire gate.
After in-service operations, the aircraft will then be certified in the Standard Category in both cargo and passenger variants.
The cargo variant will feature a large cargo door with a flat floor cabin that can take three LD3 shipping containers with a 5,500 lb maximum payload capability. The aircraft will have a maximum cruise speed of up to 190 knots and offer a 1,000 nautical-mile maximum range all for the lowest $ operating cost per nm.
The efficient 19-passenger cabin will offer full stand-up headroom and double abreast single-aisle seating.
The Firecatcher F-45 aerial tanker will also be available to governments on a unique EUPAYG program developed by Arcus Fire with the aircraft lessor market.
Exclusive Use Pay As You Go is a new hire program available for government agencies that allows them to take delivery of the aircraft for 365 days and only pay for them when they use them, based on a minimum utilization per annum.
