The aerial firefighting solution

The multi-mission solution

Firefighting, traditionally considered one of the many aerial roles for helicopters and UAS solutions, is now becoming one of their most critical roles, especially with the rise of more extreme weather conditions. From supporting first responders with crucial water drops to providing aerial surveillance, Airbus helicopters and uncrewed assets are playing a vital role across the globe in keeping the flames at bay.

Fire combat

Tailored Airbus helicopters can drop water, foam or retardant on or in front of fires to reduce or stop their spread and secure surrounding areas.

Evacuation and rescue

Airbus helicopters can provide immediate support, evacuating residents and injured firefighters within minutes from burning areas.

Reconnaissance and mapping

Airbus helicopters and its UAS systems are equipped to monitor fires in order to determine the perimeter and intensity of the flames, and to detect the start of fires.

Transportation

Helicopters provide rapid transport of firefighters to remote or localised areas by airdrop, hoist or rappel.

Equipped to tackle the flames

From the light single helicopter family to our medium-heavy workhorses, customers can rely on several Airbus helicopters to help them fight fires in all conditions. Water bomber helicopters, equipped with a flexible bucket or belly tank, contain, slow down and help extinguish fires by dropping up to 4,500 litres of water each time they fly over the fire. The H125, for example, can drop up to 1,200 litres of water each time it flies over the scene. It can carry up to four firefighters and their equipment.

The H215 also exemplifies this capability with its robust design, excellent payload performance, cost efficiency and proven capability in the most demanding conditions. In the heavy helicopter segment, the H215 is the clear leader in terms of the number of firefighters it can carry and its 4,000 litre water drop capacity. It also has the longest range in its class.

Precision and efficiency

Water bombing

Airbus helicopters can offer immediate relief to the scene with water, foam or retardant drops every 5 to 10 minutes, with the ability to reload and perform drops in all areas and types of terrain.

An Airbus-produced H125 helicopter deploys a bucket-type water dispersal system to support firefighting efforts.

Situational awareness and tracking

With improved cockpit layouts and visibility, as well as new-generation features such as infrared cameras, NVG compatibility, and laser rangefinders, Airbus helicopters help firefighters access real-time situational awareness and tracking both day and night.

Transport

Transporting equipment, personnel or water to the ground is an essential part of firefighting operations. With their advanced avionics, exceptional flight controls and unmatched autopilot system, Airbus helicopters are able to support these operations in the most challenging conditions.

Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) performing firefighting excercise with an H215

Teaming with uncrewed aerial systems

Teaming between helicopters and uncrewed aerial assets helps firefighters assess the risk of a fire breaking out in the area and determine exactly where they need to intervene. Uncrewed aerial systems can stay in air for extended periods of time, and equipped with sophisticated sensors, are able to monitor fire risk areas for hours on end.

Products in focus

Firefighting support

Here's a closer look at how some of our aircraft are equipped to support the most demanding firefighting missions across the globe.

H125

First on the scene

The H125's versatility and manoeuvrability means it can access challenging locations that would otherwise be out of reach. This, combined with its exceptional performance in hot and high conditions and the ability to drop up to 1,200 litres of water, makes this single engine an essential fire fighting asset.

Learn more about the H125

Up to 4

Firefighters
1,200

Litres of water in the belly tank
1,200

Litres of water in the water bucket

H145

The life-saver

The H145’s high level of performance (including in hot and high operating conditions), small footprint and compact airframe eases manoeuvring even in confined areas and makes it ideal for firefighting missions. It's wide cabin and clamshell doors also make it an essential life-saver during rescue operations.

Learn more about the H145

Up to 10

Firefighters
1,000

Litres of water in the belly tank
1,200

Litres of water in the water bucket

H215

Rugged and ready

With its rugged design, the H215 has excellent payload performance, cost efficiency and demonstrated capabilities in the most demanding conditions. In the heavy helicopter segment, the H215 clearly leads the field in terms of the number of firefighters it can carry and its 4000-litre water discharge capacity. It also has the longest range in its category.

Learn more about the H215

Up to 22

Firefighters
4,000

Litres of water in the belly tank
4,000

Liters of water in the water bucket

Ecocopter's Super Puma with water bucket

H225

Providing heavy support

The H225 is tailored to rescue firefighters in the most extreme conditions, it also makes the difference with powerful and precise water bombing.

Learn more about the H225

Up to 22

Firefighters
4,O00

Litres of water in the belly tank
4,500

Litres of water in the water bucket

Flexrotor

Uncrewed aerial support

Flexrotor provides firefighters with the most up-to-date information - an invaluable asset during critical operations. Firefighters can look at the live footage that’s being streamed and check the progress of their work and be better placed to identify where the fire is or will move to – even on occasion showing that a fire previously thought to be extinguished was still active – allowing them to optimise their movements, in the most urgent of situations.

Learn more about Flexrotor