DUBLIN – August 5, 2024 – The Milestone Aviation Group Limited (“Milestone”), the global leader in helicopter leasing, together with Australian firefighting equipment designer and manufacturer, Helitak Firefighting Equipment Pty Ltd (“Helitak”), announced today that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has certified the FT5000 fire tank for the Sikorsky S-92A helicopter, granting a Supplemental Type Certificate.
This industry-first firefighting platform combines the unique capabilities of the S-92A with Helitak’s lightweight, carbon fiber FT5000 system which includes a retractable belly-mounted fire suppression tank with a 5,000-liter (1,320 US gallons) capacity.
The first S-92A helicopter equipped with a FT5000 fire tank was recently delivered to launch customer VIH Aviation Group (“VIH”), a Canadian helicopter operator. Once in service, it will be deployed on firefighting missions across Western Canada.
“We are delighted to earn certification for this unique fire tank and introduce a new mission to the S-92A as a next-generation, multi-purpose firefighting platform. The Milestone and Helitak teams have worked tirelessly to create a solution that harnesses the advanced capabilities and versatility of the S-92A, combined with Helitak’s innovative tank design,” said Pat Sheedy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Milestone. “I would like to thank our partners at Helitak for their dedication and collaboration on this important project. Furthermore, we’re very pleased to work with VIH for the immediate deployment of this pioneering firefighting solution that will greatly enhance their ability to fight wildfires.”
Jason Schellaars, Founder & CEO, Helitak, said, “The S-92A presented some unique design challenges for the Helitak team, but after working with our project partner, Milestone, we believe we have delivered a world-class firefighting solution. With older S-92As coming out of the offshore market, the addition of the Helitak FT5000 system will allow S-92A operators to capitalize on the aircraft’s versatility by operating it as a standard category aircraft.”
Jen Norie, Chief Operating Officer, VIH, said, “We are very pleased to introduce the first utility configured Sikorsky S-92A helicopter into the Canadian commercial market with the launch phase specifically intended to support government agencies in wildfire suppression. We believe that the dependability, speed and advanced technological capabilities of this aircraft, paired with the Helitak FT5000 tank and VIH’s extensive operational experience will significantly enhance the service VIH is able to provide to customers, and positions VIH for its next phase of growth.”
Specifically designed for the S-92A, the tank can be installed or removed in minutes and is equipped with a hover pump that achieves a fill time of 48 seconds. Utilizing the advanced avionics and dynamic cabin layout of the S-92A, the aircraft will be capable of transporting crews of up to 19 firefighters to the front lines of wildfire events. For further information on the S-92A firefighting platform and the capabilities of the FT5000 fire tank, see here.
About Milestone
Milestone Aviation Group, an AerCap company, is the world’s leading helicopter leasing and financing company. Milestone partners with helicopter operators worldwide, providing a wide array of financial and productivity solutions, including operating leases, purchase/leasebacks, secured debt financing, engine leasing and fleet advisory. The company supports approximately 50 customers in approximately 35 countries serving a variety of industries, including offshore oil and gas, search and rescue, emergency medical services, police surveillance, mining, firefighting, and other utility missions. www.milestoneaviation.com
About AerCap
AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Dubai, Seattle, Toulouse and other locations around the world.
About Helitak
Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment is a Rotary Aerial Firefighting specialist, aerial firefighting design and manufacturing company located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. All Helitak fire tanks are custom designed and built and offer a carrying capacity ranging from 250 to 2,645 gallons (945 to 10,000 litres) of water and retardant/foam. The carbon fibre tanks are designed to minimize the need for any structural modifications to the aircraft. www.helitak.com.au
About VIH Helicopters
VIH Helicopters Ltd. (“VIH”) is a subsidiary of the VIH Aviation Group of Companies based in British Columbia, Canada, and has been providing safe and efficient aviation services since 1955. VIH operations are primarily focused on servicing utility sectors including wildfire suppression, forestry and precision aerial construction with a versatile fleet of light, intermediate and heavy helicopter types.
