On Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:02:36 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2013-03-18 18:22:06 -0700, Norm DePlume said:

On Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:20:29 -0700, Savageduck
wrote:

On 2013-03-18 10:36:54 -0700, ®i©ardo said:



Out here in California CalFire has 23 S-2E/Gs converted to S-2T
"Turbo-Tracker" configuration, replacing the Wright R-1820's with
Garrett 1650HP turboprops. They then retired 55 the older S-2s bought
from the Navy back in the mid-1970's. The upgraded S-2Ts carry 1,200
gallons of fire retardant and they are one of the work horses of
CalFire's air tanker attack fleet.

Hello,
While I understand the benefits of converting to turboprop, there's
something about the burble of a radial just loafing along.

Yup! However, CDF was being practical, they had 1,200 gallons of liquid
to haul, and those R-1820's had reached their "use by" date. Also they
had gone through and worn out the 55 S-2E/Fs and spares they bought
from the Navy back in 1976. In the Western fire season all of the
CalFire fleet is given a hard workout with little time for maintenance.
It is quite something to see those guys working a fire.

Hello,
Quite something, indeed. I live in New Mexico and the work those men
and women do, in the air or on the ground, is nothing short of heroic
as far as we're concerned.