US-based aerial firefighting specialist Neptune Aviation is looking to the Airbus A319 as a complement to its British Aerospace 146 tanker fleet.
The company – located at Missoula airport in Montana – has commenced the process to modify the twinjet type and expects to introduce it in 2027.
Neptune is working with Toulouse-based Aerotec & Concept on developing the firefighter conversion, the first such adaptation of the A319.
“The decision to move to the A319 came after two years of extensive research and due diligence in order to pick the right platform,” says Neptune.
This work included simulation of fire-retardant drops to assess the aircraft’s capabilities, and the developers aim to optimise performance by modelling airflow and tank flow.
“While our current fleet of BAe 146 aircraft is among the best in the industry, we started planning for this upgrade two years ago as part of our commitment to deliver the best solutions to our customers,” says Neptune president Jennifer Draughon.
She says the A319’s higher weight and volume enable the transport of greater quantities of retardant – some 4,500USgal compared with the 3,000USgal of the 146 – while its fuel capacity means the jet can travel to fires situated a greater distance from the base station.
Neptune expects to operate a fleet of 10-15 aircraft, a mix of A319s and 146s. It has not identified the source of the A319s to be modified, but says Airbus will provide “comprehensive support”.
Aerotec & Concept says the A319 is an “ideal choice” for firefighting tasks.
“Our team is committed to ensuring that Neptune’s new fleet is optimised for maximum efficiency and safety,” says chief Johan Clochet.
“With our extensive experience in aircraft modification, we are confident that this transition will enhance Neptune’s aerial firefighting capabilities.”
