The Government of the Province of Santa Fe, through the Ministry of Economy, has initiated an international public bidding process to acquire the first hydrant aircraft for the province of Santa Fe, with an official budget of $5,500,000,000.
The opening of bids with economic offers will take place on May 15, and the aircraft will be assigned to the Provincial Directorate of Mobility and Aeronautics of the Ministry of Government and Public Innovation.
Characteristics and capabilities of the hydrant aircraft
The aircraft will have advanced technical specifications, including:
- Single-engine turboprop.
- Metallic structure, low-wing monoplane.
- Tank capacity of not less than 3,000 liters.
- Amphibious floats with landing gear.
- High-visibility yellow color with blue side stripes.
The engine must be a turboprop of at least 1,600 shp and the propeller metallic with five blades, with constant speed and special treatment.
Operation and firefighting capabilities
The aircraft will be able to:
- Support forest firefighters in hard-to-reach wildfires.
- Operate in small airports and remote airstrips.
- Take off in less than 10 minutes from the operation request.
- Extract water from lakes, lagoons, rivers, and reservoirs.
Moreover, its full recharge capacity will be in less than 20 seconds in aquatic operation and less than 10 minutes in land operation.
Performance and autonomy
The expected performance includes:
- Takeoff in no more than 2,300 feet at maximum weight.
- Minimum climb rate of 800 feet per minute.
- Cruise speed of not less than 170 knots and a minimum range of 1,200 km.
- Autonomy of not less than 3 hours, with a working speed between 100 and 110 knots.
State-of-the-art equipment
The aircraft will feature:
- Computerized fire gate system.
- Amphibious floats and reinforced cabin.
- Airbag, air conditioning, and LED lighting.
- Siren, megaphone, and advanced GPS.
- Fire detection system and manual fuel control.
A strategic reinforcement for environmental protection
According to the Secretary of Civil Protection, Marcos Escajadillo, this hydrant aircraft will be key in the fight against wildfires, reducing response times and exposure of firefighters.
Santa Fe strengthens its prevention strategy, opting for advanced technology and coordinated operations for environmental protection.
