The Austrian Federal Army has been on assistance mission in Styria since Tuesday, April 2, 2024. After forest fires broke out in the towns of Großreifling and Hinterwildalpen, four army helicopters are now helping the local fire department fight the fire.

The Austrian Armed Forces is supporting the civilian emergency services with an Agusta Bell 212 transport helicopter in the town of Großreifling as well as two Agusta Bell 212 and an S-70 “Black Hawk” multi-purpose helicopter in Hinterwildalpen.

“The Federal Army is always ready quickly when it is needed. Our trained pilots, together with the civilian emergency services on site, are helping to fight the flames as quickly as possible. I wish our soldiers good luck and all the emergency services much success in their mission,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner.

Helicopter in use

The S-70 “Black Hawk” is a multi-role helicopter with two engines, each producing 1.940 hp. This drive gives the helicopter excellent high mountain capability. The S-70 can particularly exploit this ability when operating in mountainous locations. In order not to have to stay on the ground even in bad weather conditions (winter conditions), this model also has a de-icing system for the rotor blades and the tail rotor. The helicopter has a cruising speed of 280 km/h, a range of 500 kilometers and the external load for extinguishing water is a maximum of 4.000 kilograms.

The Agusta Bell 212 is a medium transport helicopter, has a two-blade main and tail rotor, two turbine engines, a skid landing gear, is instrument-rated and approved for a total of 14 people. Equipped with a cable winch (quickly assembled) and external load hook enables versatile usability. The helicopter has a cruising speed of 162 km/h, a range of 420 kilometers and the external load for extinguishing water is approx. 1.000 kilograms.