Australian general aviation aircraft manufacturer Seabird Aviation has developed a firespotting version of its Seeker SB7L-360A surveillance aircraft.
The Seeker is a fixed-wing, two-seater, powered by a Lycoming 0-360 engine. It features a helicopter-style cockpit, has a 880km (475nm) range and can fly at low altitude and slow speed. The aircraft was developed for low-level observation work such as law enforcement, border patrol and powerline inspection.
The new FireSeeker version features upgraded Garmin avionics, Hoffmann propeller and has a high-visibility paint scheme. "The Seeker's exceptional crew visibility and docile slow speed handling characteristics are major advantages [in the fire-spotting role]," says Peter Adams, managing director of Seabird Aviation Australia.
Local company Observair plans to include the FireSeeker in its bids for aerial firefighting support for the forthcoming Australian fire season, he adds.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com
