The operational tempo at these heli-bases is dependent on the weather and fire conditions. Their civilian counterparts would need to physically stand with a hose at each refuel, taking time to move between each helicopter. “Hot refuels are only conducted if there is imminent risk of life or property loss as a result of fire activity.”īecause the Striker ARFF vehicle is purpose-built for responding to aircraft fires, the crew can remain inside the vehicle cabin during the refuelling, allowing them to drive to each helicopter being refuelled. “By not having to shut down the helicopter, they can refuel and return to the fire fight in less than half the time. “A hot refuel is when the engines, and therefore rotors, remain running, while the helicopter is refuelled,” Sergeant Allen said. Hot exhaust from the helicopter’s engines, coupled with the downwash from the main rotors and the presence of fuel, increases the risk of fire and warrants a dedicated rescue team. 22 Squadron team is to provide fire-watch when helicopters land at the bases for hot refuel operations. “The RFS personnel on site have been impressed in the capability of the Striker fire vehicle.” “Our presence at these heli-bases frees up a New South Wales Fire and Rescue or Rural Fire Service (RFS) appliance to join in firefighting operations,” Sergeant Allen said. 22 Squadron, said the presence of a RAAF Striker ARFF vehicle and crew was welcomed by civilian firefighters. Sergeant Matthew Allen, Airfield Fire Controller with No. Helicopters landed at these bases to refuel during missions to nearby bushfires in Nattai and Kanangra-Boyd national parks, which have destroyed about 250,000 hectares of bush since mid-December. 22 Squadron has deployed a Striker Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle and firefighting crew to heli-bases in Picton and Mittagong. 22 Squadron are supporting high-tempo helicopter operations to fight bushfires southwest of Sydney.
Firefighters from RAAF Base Richmond’s No.
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