08 Aug 2007
An aircraft from the Michigan Army National Guard uses a bambi bucket, an aerial firefighting tool suspended below a helicopter, to extinguish a fire 10 miles from Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Mich., Aug. 8, 2007. DoD photo by Staff Sgt. Helen Miller, U.S. Army.
Murdoc and his family have camped up in Tahquamenon Falls State Park a few years back. Nice place. Hope they get this under control. It’s been going for several days. The area is mostly uninhabited and there have been no injuries.
A knowledgeable aircraft enthusiast recently told me that he had seen an A-10 ‘Warthog’ converted into a firefighting plane. I can’t seem to find any info on this. Does anyone know anything about it?
August 8th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
A-10 fire fighting? My vote is no. There are a lot better aircraft for that role. In theory, it could, it would most likely suck, but… but wouldn’t a F-22 be much better?
August 8th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Google says someone applied for a patent for the idea of turning an A-10 into an airtanker, but it doesn’t look like anyone’s done it yet.
August 8th, 2007 at 11:47 pm
but wouldn’t a F-22 be much better?’ Thanks - you made my Wednesday night.
August 9th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I found this letter on the subject with more links: http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-16726.html
August 9th, 2007 at 10:42 am
Here’s a better site, actual info and pics: http://www.aviationtrivia.homestead.com/aircraftA10.html
August 9th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Thanks, James. After seeing ‘Firehog’ I googled and found that aviationtrivia site, but it keeps crashing my browser. Will keep trying.
August 9th, 2007 at 11:21 am
There used to be firehogs.com but the website is no longer any good. I saw the A-10 demo videos there, back in the day.
August 13th, 2007 at 4:35 am
Also, they have converted OV-10s into Fire Spotter aircraft.
December 9th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
Just noticed you had an old link for the A-10 listed. Here is the new link: http://www.aviationtrivia.info/A-10-Fire-Hog.php