News Aerial Firefighting
Columbia providing 2 helicopters for firefighting in Turkey

Columbia Helicopters signed a partnership contract with CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. to provide two helicopters for firefighting and external load operations in Turkey. The contract encompasses the fire season and marks Columbia’s first operation in the country.

CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. was originally awarded the contract with the Turkey General Directorate of Forestry and is subcontracting with Columbia to provide the aircraft, crew, and maintenance support. The helicopters selected will be the Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinooks.

While the 234 can operate with Columbia’s 2,800-gallon Fire Attack System (FAS) internal tank, the contract specifies the use of the 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket for precision water and retardant drops.

Columbia’s 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopter is fully certified to civilian transport category standards, allowing it to transport internal cargo and passengers. Originally certified by Boeing, the aircraft certificate is now owned and supported by Columbia. Today, as the aircraft’s OEM, Columbia provides all sustainment, training, and MRO capabilities to support the aircraft around the globe.