Aviation Nation 2016: 10 Tanker Air Carrier DC-10 Fire Bomber

The flying program at Aviation Nation 2016 included an impressive fire bombing demonstration by the big 10 Tanker Air Carrier McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and its Rockwell OV-10 Bronco spotting aircraft (a magnificent looking warbird in USMC markings). The DC-10 is one of the largest fire fighting aircraft in the world and you can imagine what a difference its 43,900 litre / 11,600 gallon retardant payload can make in the fight against a raging forest fire when it hits an area 15 metres / 50 feet wide for anywhere up to 1 kilometre / 0.66 miles in length (it can be dropped in one burst as displayed at Aviation Nation or split them in shorter drops as required)! This demonstration was particularly appreciated as they helped cool the air and the crowd off on the much warmer Sunday too!

The DC-10 prepares for take-off with a US Navy Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet taxiing by and two USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagles on the runway at the ready in the distance

10 Tanker Air Carrier McDonnell Douglas DC-10 take-off

The OV-10 leads the way acting as a fire spotter with the DC-10 ready to drop its payload of retardant coming in behind (past the USAF Thunderbirds tails)

A Rockwell OV-10 Bronco was used as a spotter aircraft during the demonstration

The OV-10 Bronco was originally used by the US military as an observation and Forward Air Control aircraft and the type was in US service from 1969 to 1995 seeing combat service during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq – this one is in USMC markings

10 Tanker Air Carrier McDonnell Douglas DC-10

Showing the DC-10 off before the drop

Fire retardant away!

Incoming!

The DC-10 can drop fire retardant over an area 15 metres / 50 feet wide for anywhere up to 1 kilometre / 0.66 miles in length!

A potential life saver

The DC-10 can carry 43,900 litres / 11,600 gallons of fire retardant

Rockwell OV-10 Bronco former military observation aircraft in USMC markings

10 Tanker Air Carrier McDonnell Douglas DC-10

Back on the Nellis tarmac