Emergency Services Minister David Elliott and NSW RFS commissioner Rob Rogers unveiled the full firefighting aerial fleet with demonstration and a training exercise on Friday.
Mr Elliott said the Large Air Tanker (LAT) had “proved its value time and time again” last season, adding that they have invested $26.3 million for the LAT ‘Marie Bashir’ and Citation ‘Birddog’ aircraft that will undertake line scanning operations.
He said as well two BK117 helicopters to enhance rapid aerial and remote area firefighting operations, they had also spent $6.3 million on two new Bell 412 Helicopters.
“No matter what Mother Nature throws at us; we have the ability to respond,” he said.
“If we experience a wet summer, these aircraft can assist rescuing people in floodwaters, or they can transport our crews to fast-moving grass fires this bush fire season.
“NSW RFS and Australian Defence Force aircraft successfully rescued 51 people from imminent danger last bushfire season. These new aircraft will double this capability.”
Having already proved themselves this season, Comm Rogers said support from the sky would continue to be invaluable.
“These impressive aircraft are just part of the fleet, with more than 100 call-when-needed and contracted aircraft, that have and will continue to support firefighting operations across NSW this bush fire season,” he said.
