Our
Fleet
Coulson Aviation leads in aerial firefighting and heavy-lift operations with a fleet designed for the toughest challenges. Our versatile helicopters and aircraft provide precision and reliability for wildfire suppression and industrial lifting, operating around the clock.
Coulson Aviation: A Global Leader in Aerial Firefighting and Heavy-Lift Operations
Coulson Aviation is at the forefront of innovation in aerial firefighting and heavy-lift solutions, operating one of the most advanced and diverse fleets in the world. Our day-and-night aerial assets are designed to tackle the toughest challenges, from large-scale wildfire suppression to industrial heavy-lift operations, with precision and reliability.
Our helicopter fleet features state-of-the-art aircraft tailored for versatility and power. From massive helitankers capable of carrying up to 3,000 gallons of water or retardant to heavy-lift helicopters with an impressive 25,000-pound lift capacity, our helicopters are built to handle the most demanding missions. Equipped with cutting-edge night operation capabilities, they provide 24/7/365 wildfire suppression, ensuring rapid response and continuous support when it matters most.
On the fixed-wing side, Coulson operates a range of aircraft designed for efficiency and effectiveness. The 737 FireLiner™ stands out as a dual-purpose powerhouse, capable of transporting crews and delivering up to 4,000 gallons of water. Our fleet also includes turboprop water bombers and agile small jets equipped with real-time fire observation technology, offering unparalleled situational awareness and precision.
CH-47 CHINOOK
A highly versatile, heavy-lift twin-rotor helicopter, the Chinook CH-47 is the largest and most effective fire suppression, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and heavy-lift helicopter in the world. As a firefighting helitanker, it can carry 3,000 gallons, refill its drop tank in 90 seconds, and operate at night 24/7/365. As a heavy lift asset, it can lift over 25,000 lbs. at sea level. With its advanced avionics, night vision readiness, exceptional lift capacity, and hover-fill capabilities, the CH-47 Chinook remains a top choice for Coulson operations worldwide.
UH-60 BLACK HAWK
The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is a highly versatile, twin-engine aircraft with proven effectiveness in both aerial firefighting and heavy-lift missions. The Black Hawk’s advanced avionics, night vision readiness, and exceptional lift capacity make it an ideal platform for transporting firefighters, equipment, and supplies to the front lines of a wildfire. Additionally, the Black Hawk’s ability to hover and maneuver in tight spaces allows it to make precision water or retardant drops where other aircraft cannot reach.
SIKORSKY S-61
The Sikorsky S-61 is Coulson Aviation’s rotary wing workhorse, transporting firefighters, performing water and retardant drops on fires, and executing precision heavy lift operations. With its 1,057-gallon belly tank equipped with a foam and/or gel injection system, 10,000-lbs. useful load, exceptional range, and endurance, the S-61 is a versatile and reliable aerial firefighting and heavy lift platform. Coulson Aviation is the first company in the world to incorporate NVG (Night Vision Goggles) technology on the S-61 and has developed highly detailed operational practices required to safely conduct nighttime aerial firefighting.
SIKORSKY S-76
The powerful twin-engine Sikorsky S-76 helicopter is one of Coulson Aviation’s most advanced command-and-control aircraft. Equipped with a thermal imaging camera and configured for night operations, it is ideal for hotspot detection, fire behavior analysis, fire perimeter maps, and mobile and/or static command-and-control center operations. The Sikorsky S-76 also supports fire operations with firefighter and supply transport to remote locations, making it a valuable multi-mission asset.
BELL 412
The Bell 412 is a twin-engine utility helicopter with a proven performance and safety track record. Its powerful engines allow it to operate in high-altitude and hot-weather conditions, making it an ideal aircraft for transporting personnel and supplies to remote locations. Coulson Aviation operates a fleet of Bell 412 helicopters equipped with specialized firefighting equipment, including water buckets and foam tanks, as well as advanced flight control technology making it a safe and effective firefighting asset.
BOEING 737 FIRELINER™
Coulson Aviation is the first and only company in the world to convert a Boeing 737 commercial airliner into a FireLiner™ tanker. The FireLiner™ is differentiated from all next-generation Large Air Tankers (LAT) by its ability to transport firefighters without re-configuration and is approved to fly at maximum speeds and unrestricted altitudes with a load of retardant. Ideal for aerial firefighting, the 737 aircraft is an international government agencies’ LAT platform purchase choice both because it is the highest-produced aircraft series and the largest capacity LAT currently flying worldwide. Equipped with Coulson’s RADS tanking system and top aircraft engine series, this multi-use airtanker is the industry-leading choice for aerial firefighting operations.
LOCKHEED C-130 HERCULES
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed to support troop and cargo transport and search and rescue operations. Coulson’s fleet of C-130 air tankers, equipped with our 4,000-USG RADS-XXL tanking system, serve as our leading aerial firefighting attack missions across the globe. With its unique ability to take off and land on short, rough runways, overall range, versatility, and suppression ability per drop, the C-130 remains a top, potent aerial firefighting aircraft.
CESSNA CITATION
Coulson Aviation owns and operates the largest fleet of next-generation Citation lead planes and air attack aircraft worldwide. It is a top-rated aircraft renowned for its reliability, performance, and versatility. Its ability to take off and land on short runways makes it ideal for accessing smaller airports and remote locations. Coulson’s Citation jets are equipped with a multi-mission pod and can also be configured with a multitude of additional sensors, including a FLIR 380HD, Wescam MX15, or Line Scanner / LIDAR system for gathering data on fires.
IN HONOR OF THE MARTIN MARS
The Hawaii Mars and Philippine Mars weren’t just part of the Coulson fleet—they were legends in the skies. As the largest flying water bombers in the world, these iconic aircraft played a historic role in aerial firefighting. Though now retired to museum homes, their legacy lives on in every mission we fly. We’re proud to have been part of their story.
SUPPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND CREW
All of Coulson Aviation’s aircraft are operated and supported by our highly trained and specialized crews.
A standard flight crew includes (depending on aircraft type and location):
- IA (Initial Attack) Captain or Captain
- First Officer or Co-Pilot
- Flight Engineer/Flight Mechanic
A maintenance crew always accompanies a Coulson Aviation aircraft and includes a crew chief, an assistant crew chief, and a mechanic, based on the aircraft type. Additionally, Coulson provides maintenance crew trailers, crew RVs, a fuel truck, and a parts trailer or shipping container depending on aircraft type and mission requirements.