AH-1W "Lifeguard"

[poru48]

After a series of wild fires in the western United States resulted in the unfortunate deaths of firefighters. the U.S. Forest Service began searching for an alternative means of escape for "Smoke Jumpers".  One unique proposal came from a recently incorporated company called DevilHogs. Using surplus AH-1W helicopters, the company proposed a flying system using the helicopter's existing sensors and multiple radios coupled with a Protein-based Class B firefighting foam dispensing system. The firefighting system replaced the SuperCobra's gun system with a direct downward firing foam dispenser in the nose plumbed to a foam tank in the aircraft belly. Water for the system comes from two or four mounted external tanks carrying water pressurized by engine bleed air. The design of the system provides for the application of a foam-suppressed path that trapped fire fighters could use as a means of escape. The foam system was not the only life-saving feature of the aircraft, though. Applying the utility of fold-down jump seats taken from transport aircraft the designers added two-person basic seating to each side of the forward fuselage. While it was understood the passenger's in such circumstances were in for an "interesting" ride, the emergency nature of the circumstances requiring their use, coupled with Special Forces experience "riding outside operational aircraft" determined that this method of egress was feasible. An additional feature proposed but not tested was a remotely deployed 4-person SPIE rig attached to the bottom of the aircraft. The theory being that Smoke Jumpers are increasingly coming from the ranks of military veterans familiar with the system. The aircraft was also capable of using the outboard pylons to deploy additional rescue equipment. Lastly, the aircraft mounted en external loudspeaker and a Night Sun spotlight for additional communication. Ultimately the proposal, while innovative and forward-thinking, was rejected by the Forest Service.

[Captain Canada]

Great idea. Love it ! I can see it working and being an asset to the fire fighting team as well.

[sandiego89]

Great idea.  The Cobra would be a good fit. 

[poru48]

Thanks! My imagination may exceed my abilities, though. I am working on a 1:72 version of this using an Italieri kit. I think it would look good an a "AERO UNION" livery.

[sandiego89]

..... I think it would look good an a "AERO UNION" livery.

Yes it woud- almost anything would look good in that livery.