I case ya don't know....I LOVE VLATs

[tor lives]

And the US does it again with a bigger VLAT

[img=http://www.airliners.net/photo/Global-SuperTanker-Services/Boeing-747-446(BCF)/2818348/L/&sid=8db7ead8b04e2c0469cfa50e4743922e]N744ST[/img]

An ex Evergreen and JAL B747-400

So when will the first A380 be retired from pax service and converteted to a VLAT?

I think it is far to say that I am a BIG fan of the Gen 2 747-400 VLAT, (although I am sure it will have the usual band of "knockers", "doubters", and "nay-sayers" ). I would simply ask the VLAT critics, (and you know who you are ).....if the 747 VLAT is such a useless POS "white elephant", why then would this company have invested so much time, money, energy, and effort in getting this platform up and running???. What must be realised, accepted, and appreciated by all, (VLAT critics included), is the Big jet VLATs are here to stay because they are so friggen effective and efficient in role. This is why we are now seeing these incredibly capable and versatile aircraft, (including DC-10s, MD-87s, Bae-146s,
Be-200s etc.), being routinely deployed all around the world.....EVEN in Australia , (and to that select group of vocal TOR/VLAT critics on that other model site I simply say.....I TOLD YOU SO!!!! ). I look forward to seeing the big, ol 747-400 VLAT deployed to Australia at the earliest opportunity.
As for an A380 VLAT.....I would be concerned the plastic would melt
TOR
PS: and speaking of the Be-200
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E858ja856Cw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C4iUmP-Tv0

[Adam the Akrodude]

My thoughts are very much going out to those effected by the huge fires in Alberta, Canada right now. This is such a bad one with thousands evacuated. I know exactly how this feels having had to evacuate our home twice as a child, had flames go right over top of the car with a CFA tanker spraying us down - I to this day still remember the radiant heat. Returning home the next day to luckily find the house still there, but the backyard totally blackened.

One tanker crew injured but OK in Canada I've just read.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/air-tanker-crash-lands-in-northwest-alberta-1.3569368

[tor lives]

A very good report by American ABC on the new 747-400 VLAT:
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/video/fire ... r-38911479
TOR

[tor lives]

My thoughts are very much going out to those effected by the huge fires in Alberta, Canada right now. This is such a bad one with thousands evacuated. I know exactly how this feels having had to evacuate our home twice as a child, had flames go right over top of the car with a CFA tanker spraying us down - I to this day still remember the radiant heat. Returning home the next day to luckily find the house still there, but the backyard totally blackened.

One tanker crew injured but OK in Canada I've just read.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/air-tanker-crash-lands-in-northwest-alberta-1.3569368

Never good to hear of a Tanker spearing in, but this has gotta be one of THE most high risk flying environments in aviation. There have been many brave and selfless Tanker crews killed in the line of duty over the years carrying out their vital role. These guys are every bit as much a "hero" as any military aircrew. Just like military aircrew these guys put their arses on the line each time they go out in an effort to protect lives and property from a formidable, unpredictable, merciless, and deadly foe. To all Tanker crews all around the world, you have my absolute respect and admiration, and I salute you all.
TOR

[Adam the Akrodude]

A very good report by American ABC on the new 747-400 VLAT:
http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/video/fire ... r-38911479
TOR

Excellent vid on this most unique fire fighting asset. Very interesting to hear that even though it can drop up to 80 tonne of fire retardant, etc, it does this in a "gentle" rain like manner - it won't destroy or injure anything it drops on - just put out the fire or stop it spreading further. The global nature of this machine should ensure it is seen all around the globe. Hopefully we'll see it at Avalon one day huh.