Aerial firefighting firms unveil data tools and larger tankers at Boise conference
Industry leaders in Boise presented flight-tracking software, new retardant formulas, and a 4,500-gallon air tanker designed to increase suppression efficiency.
By Vincent Parker ·
Aerial firefighting companies from around the world met in Boise, Idaho, to present new technologies aimed at improving wildfire response. The gathering, known as JUMP, focused on innovations in aircraft management and retardant delivery. Participants sought solutions to a growing gap between fire intensity and traditional suppression methods.
Todd O'Hara of TracPlus stated that the industry has relied on the same tactics for 40 to 50 years while fires have worsened faster than technology has adapted. TracPlus, a New Zealand-based firm, tracks approximately 3,500 aircraft globally. The company collects flight data, including the volume of retardant dropped and its precise location. O'Hara explained that the firm is developing a repeatable mathematical model to standardize decision-making for pilots with varying levels of experience.
Jim Karels of Perimeter Solutions detailed changes to retardant chemistry. The company is updating formulas to work better with air tankers operated by firms such as Neptune Aviation. Karels noted that the color of the retardant has shifted from a dark red to a fuchsia hue. This new pink color is easier to see from both the air and the ground and dissipates more quickly after application.
Nic Lynn of Neptune Aviation revealed that the company is developing a new large air tanker. The aircraft will carry 4,500 gallons, which is 50% more than the current 146 model. Neptune dropped 606,000 gallons of retardant in Idaho this year. Lynn added that the company is also converting an Airbus A319 into a firefighting plane.
The increased capacity allows crews to drop more retardant in fewer trips. Lynn said this efficiency enables firefighters to build longer containment lines around active fires. The presentation followed a local event where observers tracked planes dropping the bright red chemical during the Claremont Fire in Boise this summer.
The innovations presented aim to address the increasing scale of wildfires in the region. Companies are combining data analysis with hardware upgrades to improve suppression outcomes. The new tools and aircraft designs are intended for immediate integration into upcoming fire seasons.
