Under NAFC ( National Aerial Firefighting Centre) arrangements, two Helitacs based in South Australia have been requested to provide additional support to existing aerial resources in Western Australia.
The Helitacs are Agusta A119 helicopters (also known as 'Koalas') and are fitted with 1200 litre belly tanks - the same as WA's Helitacs.
These aircraft operate similarly to WA, ensuring continuity in operational procedures for ground-based personnel and FESA Helitac supervisors. The cruise speed of the Koalas is 140 knots.
The Helitacs, which arrived on Tuesday evening, have the official aircraft callsigns Helitac 533 and Helitac 534.
The Helitacs will operate from Perth airport for seven days commencing Wednesday Feb 7 in support of WA fire operations and managed by FESA Air Operations.
