Belgium is taking an important step in its ability to respond quickly and effectively to forest fires: the country is receiving for the first time a dedicated firefighting aircraft, the AT-802 Fire Boss. This novel development marks a significant expansion of Belgium's firefighting resources and reduces dependence on foreign support units. The aircraft will be based at Zwartberg Airport in Genk, with a second unit to follow shortly. This initiative shows Belgium's growing commitment to addressing the challenges posed by increasingly frequent and intense forest fires.
Until now, Belgium has relied on the help of federal police helicopters equipped with water bags or on cooperation with neighboring countries such as France. But this practice is changing with the introduction of the AT-802 Fire Boss, an amphibious aircraft specially designed for aerial attack on forest fires. The aircraft is able to take on water directly from bodies of water without having to rely on land areas, allowing a much faster response time.
The Fire Boss aircraft are equipped with a unique ability to take on 3.000 litres of water in full motion. This ensures they are back in the air within the shortest time after a fire alarm. Take-off preparations are optimised so that the aircraft can be airborne within just 12 minutes of an alarm, which is a critical advantage when fighting fires that can spread quickly.
Cargolux and Aquarius Aerial Firefighting
Another important aspect of this venture is the role of Cargolux, a globally recognized cargo airline. Cargolux has established a new subsidiary dedicated to aerial firefighting, Aquarius Aerial Firefighting (Aquarius AFF). This subsidiary aims to operate a fleet of 12 AT-802F Fire Boss aircraft within three years, of which the first three aircraft have already been delivered and are expected to be operational from May 2024.
Richard Forson, President and CEO of Cargolux, emphasized the importance of this project: "The establishment of Aquarius Aerial Firefighting as a new business unit of Cargolux represents an exciting new chapter in the company's history. Wildfires are a growing global problem that requires a rapid response. As a responsible corporate citizen, we see it as our duty to help solve this problem."
The introduction of Aquarius AFF and the creation of this specialised air fleet are a response to the increasing frequency and severity of forest fires worldwide, which threaten not only nature but also the human population and infrastructure. In Belgium, as in many other countries, the need for a rapid and well-equipped firefighting infrastructure is evident.
challenges and training needs
Despite this promising innovation, however, there are still some hurdles. Currently, Cargolux does not have authorization to conduct water-taking training in Limburg, Belgium. Therefore, pilots must continue their training at a special seaplane airport on the French-Belgian border. However, the Belgian authorities have signaled that in the event of a real emergency, a special permit for water-taking could be granted, but under strict conditions and intensive supervision.
The choice of Zwartberg Airport as the base for the Fire Boss aircraft is not accidental. The airport has an existing flight school and the necessary certificates to enable the operation of these special aircraft. The training program for the pilots is managed by the "Limburgse Vleugels" flight school, allowing Belgium to further develop its expertise in aerial firefighting and strengthen the necessary infrastructure.
Outlook and significance for Belgium
The acquisition of the AT-802 Fire Boss aircraft represents a significant step forward for Belgium in its fight against forest fires. Given the growing threat of these natural disasters and the associated challenges in response time and efficiency, the ability to respond quickly to fires is of paramount importance. The decision to build its own firefighting air fleet is a clear sign that Belgium wants to further professionalize and optimize its firefighting strategy.
This development will not only improve Belgium's aerial firefighting capabilities, but could also serve as a model for other European countries facing similar challenges. International cooperation in aerial firefighting will continue to play an important role, but with the introduction of the Fire Boss aircraft, Belgium is taking an important step towards self-sufficiency and independence in this regard.
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