The U.S. Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management office is conducting market research, for planning purposes only,
regarding interested vendors/contractors who are capable of providing
one new manufactured, multi-engine, turboprop aircraft with a payload
of at least 34,000 pounds for purchase. The U.S. Forest Service
(USFS) announced the potential aircraft purchase in contract
documents released Thursday.
“This aircraft will be used as a
multi-mission firefighting aircraft; missions include firefighting
airtanker, cargo, and personnel transport,” the Forest Service said
in contract documents.
The Federal Consolidated and Further
Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 stated that funding shall be
available for the purpose of acquiring aircraft for the
next-generation airtanker fleet to enhance firefighting mobility,
effectiveness, efficiency, and safety. The Forest Service intends to
purchase an aircraft to fulfill this congressional appropriation.
Generic Requirements:
• One new manufactured aircraft.
• Type Certificated in 14 CFR Part 25 Transport Category by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• 14 CFR 25.571 Damage Tolerance and Fatigue Evaluation at Amendment 45 or higher, or equivalent for the mission usages it is certificated for.
• Equipped with multiple turbo-prop engines.
• Meeting 14 CFR Part 36 Stage IV noise standards.
• Have an either Class A or B cargo compartment as defined by Part 25.857.
• Service Ceiling - 28,000 ft. minimum based on optimum aircraft performance.
• Minimum Crew - Two crew members (pilot/copilot).
• Maximum Gross Take-Off Weight - Not to exceed 170,000 lbs.
• Capable of operating from a 5,000 foot unimproved landing strips.
• Have a minimum of capacity of 40 passenger seats (this can be authorized by an STC'ed modification.)
• Payload of at least 34,000 pounds with 3 hours and 30 minutes (3.5 hours) of fuel per manufacturer's direction while considering fuel management.
• Cruise airspeed of at least 300 knots true airspeed at 20,000 MSL.
• Capable of being modified to accommodate a 3000 U.S. gallon or greater gravity retardant tank system with retardant weighing 9.0 lbs. per gallon.
• Designed and manufactured for missions similar to the maneuver load impacts of the wildland fire airtanker mission.
• One new manufactured aircraft.
• Type Certificated in 14 CFR Part 25 Transport Category by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• 14 CFR 25.571 Damage Tolerance and Fatigue Evaluation at Amendment 45 or higher, or equivalent for the mission usages it is certificated for.
• Equipped with multiple turbo-prop engines.
• Meeting 14 CFR Part 36 Stage IV noise standards.
• Have an either Class A or B cargo compartment as defined by Part 25.857.
• Service Ceiling - 28,000 ft. minimum based on optimum aircraft performance.
• Minimum Crew - Two crew members (pilot/copilot).
• Maximum Gross Take-Off Weight - Not to exceed 170,000 lbs.
• Capable of operating from a 5,000 foot unimproved landing strips.
• Have a minimum of capacity of 40 passenger seats (this can be authorized by an STC'ed modification.)
• Payload of at least 34,000 pounds with 3 hours and 30 minutes (3.5 hours) of fuel per manufacturer's direction while considering fuel management.
• Cruise airspeed of at least 300 knots true airspeed at 20,000 MSL.
• Capable of being modified to accommodate a 3000 U.S. gallon or greater gravity retardant tank system with retardant weighing 9.0 lbs. per gallon.
• Designed and manufactured for missions similar to the maneuver load impacts of the wildland fire airtanker mission.
At
the present time, the U.S. Forest Service anticipates releasing a
solicitation by August for the aircraft purchase.
If you believe that you have an
aircraft that has these capabilities, submit a proposal to the USFS
no later than March 20.
1 comment:
ok,lets see if we can, in any way, describe a c-130 in more detail. it's the only aircraft built anywhere that can meet these specs. it's both a proven and currently operating fire fighter and is near perfect for the job.
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