Rotorcraft
Recoil STCs Super Puma T1000-E Firefighting Tank
The carbon-fiber tank can carry 1,000 gallons of water plus 35 gallons of foam
Precision Super Puma helicopter equipped with Recoil T1000-E firefighting tank
© Recoil Aerospace

The FAA has issued an approved model list supplemental type certificate (STC) for Recoil Aerospace’s T1000-E firefighting tank for the Airbus Helicopters Super Puma series. Other STCs are in development for the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, S-92, and S-76; Bell 205; and Leonardo AW189. Recoil expects to receive bilateral certification from Transport Canada and EASA.

Carrying 1,000 gallons, the T1000-E is made of carbon fiber and mounts externally. The tank can be filled in 35 to 40 seconds, and fast drops are five seconds, thanks to pneumatic drop valves and computer-controlled operation. The system includes a hailing siren for ground crew safety, LED pulse lights, flood lights, infrared lights, and a head-up display for pilots. An additional 35-gallon foam tank is incorporated into the T1000-E.