Program timings and content may be subject to change
Coulson Aviation, Canada
Microflite Aviation, Australia
This talk presents the current findings from an ongoing research project funded by Natural Hazards Research Australia, with support from the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and state and territory fire agencies. The project, Why Fly? How do we know that aerial firefighting operations are effective and efficient", is investigating the use and effectiveness of firefighting aircraft across Australia. It aims to characterise current aircraft use and evaluate the effectiveness of aerial firefighting through several activities, including a comprehensive analysis of national drop data, case studies examining drop objectives and outcomes, and a practitioner survey on aircraft use and suitability.
TracPlus Global Limited, New Zealand
Transall Tankers and McDermott Aviation are redefining aerial firefighting capability at scale through the integration of fixed and rotary platforms.
The introduction of the C-160 Transall into the Large Air Tanker (LAT) program responds to increasing wildfire intensity and the need for high-volume, efficient suppression capability. The C-160 provides a proven, military-grade platform with strong payload capability, rear-ramp delivery integration, and the ability to operate from shorter, regional airfields supporting flexible, cost-effective deployment closer to firegrounds.
In parallel, McDermott Aviation is progressing new production of the 214ST, responding to a clear gap in the market for Transport category Heavy-medium lift helicopters capable of sustained operations, and precision delivery in complex terrains. The 214ST offers exceptional lift capability, robust engineering, and a proven design well suited to modern firefighting operations.
Re-establishing production presents challenges across certification, supply chain, and modernisation; however, proven aircraft have successfully been bought back into production where demand exists.
Together, the C-160 and 214ST represent a complementary, integrated approach delivering scale, flexibility, and operational effectiveness to meet the evolving needs for fire agencies.
Sponsored by TracPlus Global Limited
Sponsored by Coulson Aviation
(invited guests only)
In an era where "Black Summer" conditions are no longer rare exceptions, suppression strategies must evolve with fire environment. Casino Logic: Changing the Odds in the Age of Megafire introduces a framework for wildfire suppression built around probability, thermodynamcis, chemistry, and tactical sequencing.
For decades, ammonium phosphate retardant has been a cornerstone of aerial suppression. It remains a proven and essential tool - but it performs best within its intended thermal stability envelope. Retardant supports containment by promoting char formation, altering fuel pyrolysis, and slowing combustion when its active phosphate chemistry remains intact. However, moder Australian crown fires can exceed 800ºC to 1200ºC, producing radiant heat flux and flame residence times that may overwhelm that chemistry before it can fully influence combustion.
This is where the Survivability Ratio matters: S - t_residence / t-decomposition
When flame residence time exceeds the time required for chemical decomposition, the odds shift against retardant performance. The chemistry may lose the race before it reaches the phase where it is most effective.
This presentation does not argue for replacing retardant; it argues for helping it work. Through the Sequential Suppression Model, it introduces a tactical shift from isolated product application to a coordinated Knockdown → Stabilize → Reinforce sequence. By using water-enhanced suppressants to cool active fire, reduce heat flux, and improve moisture residence, incident teams can create better conditions for retardant placement, holding, and follow-up suppression.
The goal is to manage probability, protect the chemistry, and stack the deck in favor of containment.
