The world’s first firefighting-configured Sikorsky S-92A made its public debut at the Verticon 2025 trade show earlier this year.
Developed by S-92 lessor Milestone Aviation in cooperation with operator VIH Helicopters, it marks the first such-configured S-92 available to the commercial market. The program was launched last summer in British Columbia with the assistance of government wildfire management agencies.
According to the companies, this S-92A has the capacity to carry up to 19 passengers, internal/external cargo, or 5,000 liters (1,320 gallons) of water in the expandable belly-mounted custom-built Helitak carbon fiber tank. The external tank weighs less than 700 pounds empty and is supplemental type certificated for the large-cabin helicopter. With its snorkel, it can fully fill from a body of water in just 48 seconds and can be removed from the helicopter in less than 30 minutes.