Interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__XflBf ... ata_player


lc

I believe that is a Beriev Be-200. The A-40 is also interesting.

I'm curious why American and Canadian companies don't seem to be interested in building jet engined water bombers. There has to be a good reason they only use turboprops on the new amphibs. Any thoughts?

Logan

Logan wrote: There has to be a good reason they only use turboprops on the new amphibs. Any thoughts?

My guess would be turbine lag and the issues it can cause, especially when maneuvering low and slow on the edge of the performance enelope. An issue I can see for jet ops on water...on land you can hold the brakes while the turbine spools up to prevent eating into usable runway...not possible on water. With a turboprop you combine the best of both worlds between prop and jet.

They are working on incorporating a system in the C-17 that will basically airdrop "bundles" of retardant and water mixture that will burst open a certain time after leaving the airplane. If I remember correctly, it would come in pre-built bundles of powder, they add water to it, load it into the aircraft like a normal airdrop CDS bundle, and out it goes! I haven't heard anything new about the idea in about a year or so.