NEWSROOM

*** This release is originally published in Turkish.

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ISTANBUL (TR) - Boeing Model 107 type night vision fire fighting helicopters to be used in the fight against forest fires have arrived at Çorlu Tekirdağ Atatürk Airport. 5 helicopters, each of which has been assembled and tested, with a water carrying capacity of 5 tons, start to work at the points determined by the General Directorate of Forestry.

How does the Night Vision System work?

Normally, night civilian flights are not carried out by helicopter in Turkey, except for special permits. Pilots use Night Vision Goggles on these flights. Pilots perform these flights with the training they receive. In addition, there are different systems on the helicopter to make the flight safe.

The land is checked during the day

For the firefighting flight to be carried out at night, the area is checked first during the day. Obstacles such as terrain and high voltage lines are determined. After the helicopter takes off, the fire is shot from a maximum altitude of 500 feet, approximately 150 meters. With a basket called Bambi, the helicopter collects water from designated areas. For water intake areas, purchases are made either from the pools of the General Directorate of Forestry illuminated at night or from designated points such as lake-sea.

5 tons capacity

Boeing Model 107s can throw 5 tons of water with a basket. Cruising speed is 200 kilometers per hour. Different models of the helicopter, which has the ability to move in narrow terrain, are used for both military and civilian purposes. Boeing Model 107 with Night Vision System can stay in the air for three hours. If necessary, there is a capacity of 15 seats in the cabin for crew transport to the fire area.

Used in 2020 Season

Boeing-manufactured heavy-duty helicopters brought from the USA were first used in the fight against forest fires in Turkey last year. The General Directorate of Forestry, which is satisfied with the Model 234s that operate during the day and have a water throwing capacity of 9 tons, is going to strengthen the fleet with a night vision model this year.

Five Model 234 and the remaining five Model 107 series helicopters with night vision systems were brought to Turkey by air and ship by CMC Defense from the USA-based Colombia company this year.