CAL FIRE Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK
Multi-mission, purpose built, 24-Hour Operational Powerhouse
The CAL FIRE S-70i FIREHAWK is a multi-mission helicopter engineered for high-performance, around-the-clock aerial firefighting and emergency response. Built upon the Black Hawk military platform, the FIREHAWK is equipped with advanced systems to extend its mission capability into the night while prioritizing crew safety.
With dual engines and redundant safety systems, the aircraft is designed to increase the safety of our personnel while providing the robust power margins needed to meet the department's demanding mission requirements. The Firehawk is configured for both firefighting and rescue missions, and with approximately 2.5 hours of fuel duration, it can sustain operations over critical periods.
Mission
The primary mission of the CAL FIRE HAWK is rapid initial attack on wildfires and complex rescue operations.
When fighting wildfires, the helicopter can swiftly deploy a Helitack Crew for ground firefighting, which it supports with targeted water drops from its 1,000-gallon tank. With advanced avionics and specialized equipment, the HAWK is capable of night aerial firefighting operations, providing crucial 24-hour coverage. The aircraft’s inherent stability and advanced flight controls are key factors in ensuring safe night operations for the flight crew. These versatile aircraft can also be used for other tasks like transporting cargo, conducting fire operations, and mapping.
CAL FIRE HAWKs are equipped with external hoists, enabling the crew to conduct complex rescue operations, even in challenging conditions. Highly skilled crewmembers are deployed from the hovering aircraft to reach individuals in areas inaccessible by ground crews. After securing the patient in a specialized rescue device, both the crewmember and patient are hoisted back into the helicopter. The aircraft's enhanced flight safety features and night flying capabilities mean these life-saving missions can be executed day or night, safely bringing both the rescue crew and patients home.
Manufacturer
Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut (Built in Mielec, Poland).
Aircraft Fire Build-Up
United Rotorcraft, Englewood, Colorado.
Original Owner
CAL FIRE, 2019
Acquired by CAL FIRE
Funding was secured in 2018 for the purchase of 12 of CAL FIRE’s next-generation helicopters, the Sikorsky S-70i CAL FIRE HAWK. The CAL FIRE HAWK significantly enhances capabilities, including improved flight safety—a core element of the design—higher payloads, increased power margins, and, most importantly, 24-hour operational and night flying capabilities. In Fiscal Year 2022–2023, additional funding was approved to purchase four more S-70i HAWKS to further increase capacity and ensure consistent 24-hour operational readiness across the fleet, even during required maintenance cycles. CAL FIRE operates the largest aerial firefighting fleet in the world, with the S-70i serving as a pillar of its all-hours, all-mission readiness.