LA County Orders Two Sikorsky S-70i Firehawks

Los Angeles County, which relies on helicopters for wildfire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services, has placed an order for two more Sikorsky S-70i Firehawks. The county fire department’s Firehawk fleet has been flying since the early 2000s, and six other California fire agencies also operate the helicopter type.

Based on Sikorsky’s Black Hawk, the Firehawk is able to carry a 1,000-gallon water tank that can be refilled in less than a minute via a retractable snorkel. The helicopter’s twin GE T700-701D engines enable rapid travel to scenes, at up to 155 knots. The Firehawk is also equipped with night-vision-goggle-compatible lighting.

“The Firehawk helicopter has been the cornerstone of our aerial firefighting capability for more than two decades,” said county of Los Angeles fire chief Anthony Marrone. “Adding two more proven platforms enhances our ability to respond to all types of emergency situations across the county and contain wildfires before they get out of control, even under the most challenging conditions.”