Robins AFB supports fire suppression

It took more than 600 people to get the Black Forest, Colo., fire under control earlier this month.

Among them were two Air Force Reserve aircrews from the 302nd Airlift Wing at nearby Peterson Air Force Base. The aircrews flew specially-equipped C-130s which can transport the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, a U.S. Forest Service-owned fire suppression device.

Robins Air Force Base provides engineering support and troubleshooting to C-130s which haul MAFFS.

“Our responsibility is to ensure the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft which transport the systems,” said Barry Bunn, Tactical Airlift Division chief engineer.

Most of the oversight is done through up-front design reviews and testing which ensures the system can operate safely and is properly secured within the planes, he explained.

But Robins’ involvement with C-130s which haul MAFFS doesn’t end there.

There were restrictions on how close MAFF-equipped planes could fly near a thunderstorm, particularly since nozzles to discharge fire retardant are often extended from the aircraft. This is important because there are times when a plane may have to fly near a storm in order to quickly get to a fire. Robins engineers developed a grounding wire system which allow the aircraft to safely fly closer to storms if needed.

Robins engineers also successfully modified radios C-130 aircrews use to communicate with emergency personnel and Forest Service officials on the ground.

The project involved 32 aircraft, and standardized the installation of the radios on the aircraft.

HHJ News