The aircraft: Bell 205 / UH-1H Super Huey
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Bell UH-1H / 205A-1 'Super Huey' |
| Engine | Lycoming T53-L-703 turboshaft, 1,800 shp (derated) |
| Max gross weight | 10,500 lb (4,760 kg) |
| Rotor diameter | 48 ft (14.6 m) |
| Cruise speed | 126 mph (110 kt) |
| Endurance / range | 2 h / 250 mi |
| Water | 324 gal bucket or 360 gal fixed tank |
| Crew (CAL FIRE) | Pilot + 2 fire captains + up to 9 helitack firefighters |
| Fleet | CAL FIRE: 12 acquired 1990 (FEPP), being replaced by S-70i Firehawk; hundreds of UH-1H airframes in civil and government service |
| Why this aircraft | Proven, plentiful, hydraulic flight controls that accept clutched actuators, and the type agencies already fly |
Sources: CAL FIRE UH-1H Super Huey factsheet; Santa Barbara County Fire; Air & Space Forces Magazine