European startups are working to develop new water bombers to combat the increasing number of wildfires across the continent. With nearly 500,000 hectares burned this year, the need for effective aerial firefighting capabilities has become more pressing than ever.

Challenging the Status Quo

Companies like Positive Aviation and Kepplair are at the forefront of this effort, seeking to challenge the dominance of Canada’s Canadair water bombers. These startups are designing and converting planes to meet the demands of modern firefighting, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

The task is daunting, given the complexity of designing a water-scooping plane that can operate effectively in various environments. However, with the support of investors and partners, these startups are pushing forward with their innovative designs.

A New Era in Aerial Firefighting

Positive Aviation, for example, is using a disused ATR-72 fuselage as a testbed for its design, which features Y-shaped pipes to draw water from lakes or seas. Kepplair, on the other hand, is working on a ground-loaded tanker that can be used for pre-emptive patrols to tackle initial outbreaks.

Other companies, such as HYNAERO and 19-01 Holding, are also joining the fray, with plans to design and build new planes from scratch. These efforts are driven by the recognition that the current fleet of aerial firefighters is aging and in need of replacement.

The development of new water bombers is not without its challenges, including the need for significant funding and the requirement for rigorous testing and certification. Nevertheless, the potential rewards are substantial, with the possibility of creating more efficient, effective, and sustainable aerial firefighting capabilities.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.