Maintenance and Modifications
Coulson Adds High Capacity Tanks to Chinook Firefighters
Coulson Aviation is working with Columbia Helicopters to install RADS-L high-flow tanks for water or fire retardant to the Model 234 Chinook rotorcraft.
Coulson Aviation will fit its RADS-L tanks to Columbia's Model 234 Chinook helicopters.
Coulson Aviation will fit its RADS-L tanks to Columbia's Model 234 Chinook helicopters. (Photo: Columbia Helicopters)

Columbia Helicopters is boosting the firefighting capability of its Model 234 Chinooks by offering Coulson Aviation’s RADS-L large-capacity, high-flow tanks as optional equipment. Coulson originally designed the tanks, which can hold up to 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant, for C-130 fixed-wing aircraft.

Under a partnership announced at the Heli-Expo show on Wednesday, the companies have adapted the RADS-L equipment to the Model 234 heavy-lift rotorcraft, which also performs tasks such as logging and logistics support. They say it will help operators respond more effectively to wildfires.