PAST- MAFFS - Why was the Program Established?

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2 PAST- MAFFS - Why was the Program Established? 1) MAFFS Program was established by Congress in 1970 after the Laguna Fire burned in San Diego County - Caused by downed power lines due to Santa Ana winds - Fire killed 8 people, destroyed 382 homes, and burned 175,425 acres 2) MAFFS was produced by FMC Corporation, in Santa Clara, Ca, and Aero Union in Chico, Ca. - 5 tanks, 2700 gallons of retardant, 10,000 lbs, 60 ft wide and ¼ mile long, released in 5 seconds 3) MAFFS mission flown by Channel Islands ANG, Cheyenne ANG, North Carolina ANG, and Colorado Springs AF Reserve for 4 decades 4) MAFFS II came on line in 2008 and improved the pressurization of the retardant to 80 PSI, utilized one tank, improved load to 3,400 gallons, added an airborne air compressor, increasing flexibility for reload locations 2

3 Why does the USFS need Air Tankers? Forest fires have blackened an average of 7.24 million acres a year this decade, twice the average of the 1990s. Colorado lost 346 homes in 2012 Waldo Canyon Fire and 511 homes in 2013 in Black Forest Fire California lost 400 homes and 500 mobile homes in November 2008 in a series of wildfires in Southern California Property losses to wildfires in California 2008 were $ billion dollars Rim Fire in 2013 started on 17 August and burned until 24 October. It burned 257,314 acres, destroyed 11 homes, 3 commercial buildings, and 98 outbuildings Air Tankers deliver large amounts of retardant directly on the fires in terrain that could otherwise not be reached, or lay down fire lines in support of ground firefighting operations. Air Tankers are an Effective Tool to Protect Lives and Property 3

4 The USFS and DOD developed MAFFS-II Aero Union Corporation, Chico, CA delivered nine (9) MAFFS II systems. MAFFS-II meets all current USFS requirements and replace MAFFS. Provides improved retardant coverage and eliminate MAFFS operational issues. Flexibility to reload at any retardant location. MAFFS II successfully completed flight testing on C-130H and C-130J aircraft in External Nozzle Loading System on C-130J 4

5 PRESENT - MAFFS II Combination of C-130J and MAFFS II C-130J is Exceeding Operator Expectations Worldwide. Up to 40% Savings in Operations and Support Costs and Maintenance Manpower. C-130J / MAFFS II Offers Significant Firefighting Improvements and Safety Over both Legacy C- 130s and Converted Military Aircraft. Meets USFS retardant coverage requirements Low Risk, Most Capable, Cost-Effective Solution for USFS Air Tanker Operations 5

6 C-130J Advantages Performance: Up to 3 times the retardant payload of older aircraft. C-130J flies faster, climbs quicker reducing retardant drop cycle times and increasing amount retardant dropped. 15% better fuel economy and reduced Operations & Support cost, lowers the cost of operations. Safety: Significantly better high altitude hot temperature performance (where forest fires are fought) gets C-130J to where retardant is needed and increases the safety margins for the crew. Service life: Beefier wings will be keep the C-130J available and dedicated to the Air Tanker mission for 30 years or more. 6

7 Key Features and Benefits of the C-130J Features - New Engines and Propellers - Two Person Cockpit - Integrated Digital Avionics - Highly Automated Systems - SATCOM - 40% Larger Cargo Compartment - Enhanced Cargo Handling System Knot Ramp and Door - Automated Maintenance Fault Reporting - 164,000 lb Gross Weight Benefits - Safer with Higher Productivity - Significant Air Tanker Mission Performance - Modern Digital Systems Improve and Grow USFS Air Tanker Capability US and International operations validate C-130J s capabilities 7

8 MAFFS Aircrews and Maintainers MAFFS aircrews are most experienced and best in their wings They are decorated combat experienced pilots and loadmasters, with years of flying in Iraq and Afghanistan wars Numerous are airline pilots with thousand of hours and years of flying experience Annual MAFFS training takes place in spring each year in preparation for increased fire activity in summer MAFFS maintenance personnel are best of the best and have years of experience in the C- 130J/C-130H aircraft 8

9 MAFFS Future 1) National Guard Bureau has received $16 million from Congress to improve the MAFFS program 2) MAFFS 2.5 will seek the following improvements: - Tank will be increased to 4,000 gallon capacity - Composite tank will be used to decrease weight and improve aircraft performance - Nozzle will be improved to provide 220 foot wide retardant line - Air National Guard will own the two MAFFS 2.5 units and store them at Channel Islands ANGS - MAFFS 2.5 will be operational by Summer MAFFS 2.5 will be available to USFS, Cal Fire, State Governments, and Foreign Governments upon request 3) Initial attack capability will be sought through an agreement for training with Cal Fire personnel 9

10 QUESTIONS? 10