Fire Cobra

[Curtis Block]

I was sending this to Scott when I realized what a nice picture it is. This is AH-1F Cobera S/N 79-23246. It is flown by the WA state, Department of Natural Resources, in the fire supression role.

Enjoy.

[Tulio]

There was one also, flying in Chile, in the same role.

Painted overall red.

It was advertised for sale a couple of years ago.

Saludos,


Tulio

[sonichound]

USFS Cobra that was based in Grass Valley, CA, in 2005. I do not know if it is still there or not.

[SaxMan]

Are they used as lead-in craft, or do they carry a payload of fire suppressant?

[KRM_Bear]

From the Florida Department of Forestrey website -

"Three B-209 "FireSnake" helicopters (demilitarized AH-1P "Cobra" attack helicopters) are used by DOF for fire suppression. These high-speed aircraft can carry a 320 gallon bucket or a foam-injection equipped 360 gallon fixed tank to drop water or foam on fires."

Wonder how many "FireSnakes" are in use now? Ought to come in handy over urban areas where the FAA tends to frown on the bambi buckets...

[Curtis Block]

Pretty sweet with the FLIR pod up front. We have at least three based up here in Olympia (they all look about the same), with airframes for many more. If history serves as an example the AH-1 is one warbird that might be with us for a while.

[Sasquatch]

Curtis,

Where at Olympia are these Cobras operating from? I was at NW Helicopters last weekend but did not see any there. I'd love to see them if they are ever tied down outside.

Thanks,

--Tom (in Seattle)

[gary]

Thet are located next door to the olympic flight museum on old hwy 99...........1/2 mile north of nw helicopters

[Sasquatch]

Thanks Gary! I appreciate the steer, and will try to get some photos next time I'm down Olympia way.

--Tom

[Curtis Block]

Durring this time of the year it's hit or miss. I'm looking out there right now and the ramp is empty (except for a parts bird). I was there Sat. and 2 were outside 1 in the shop. As a matter of fact I need to go over and ask about some parts. Maybe I'll take my camera. Hey Gary, are you with OFM?

[Sasquatch]

Thanks for the follow-up Curtis...so I take it you work there somewhere at Oly?

--Tom

[Curtis Block]

Pearson Air

[DoraNineFan]

That's a great use for a classic helicopter.

Is the idea of using surplus A-10 Warthogs in this role still floating around? It's a sturdy and maneuverable aircraft and it would seem logical, unless the spares are in high demand from the current military deployments.

[Sasquatch]

Very cool Curtis...I'll have to stop in to say hi sometime when I'm down that way. Thanks for posting that great WA state cobra photo.

--Tom

[Cessna172RG]

There was one also, flying in Chile, in the same role.
Painted overall red.
It was advertised for sale a couple of years ago(...)

Hi,
the Cobra was bought by helicopters.cl of Machalí -a countryside town located some 100 km south of Santiago- and since the early 2006 it was dressed in a yellow/blue color scheme, keeping the same registration. Here is an image of it taken in January 2006, when it was about to be rolled off the paintshop...later it continued working on longline and waterbombing duties.



Best,
ARP