S-64 Helicopter Fire Tank

The Sikorsky S-64E is a premier heavy-lift helicopter adapted for large-scale aerial firefighting. Outfitted with a specialized 10,000-liter aluminum tank (typically loaded to 9,000–9,500 liters for optimal flight dynamics), the aircraft drops water, foam, or fire retardant directly onto major fires. Internal vertical baffles stabilize the liquid payload in transit to maintain helicopter control.

Operated by a geared door mechanism, the tank can be refilled in flight using two intake options:

Pond Snorkel: A 12-meter flexible hose with an end pump that drafts water from sources as shallow as 45–50 cm while hovering.

Sea Snorkel: A surface-skimming intake that fills the tank while taxing across open water at 35–45 knots.

With a surge capacity of up to 30,000 gallons (114,000 liters) per hour, the system can execute a full load release in 2.5 seconds or perform up to four precise, partial drops per mission.