The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of the Hueys—and night operation capabilities using night vision goggles

California has completed a major upgrade to its aerial firefighting capabilities, with the arrival of two new Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters at McClellan Airfield, bringing the state’s fleet to 16. The delivery, announced Friday, marks the end of a multi-year effort to replace Vietnam-era Huey UH-1H helicopters across all 10 CAL FIRE Helitack bases, amid concerns over reduced federal firefighting support.

The transition, which began in 2020, equips the fleet with advanced technology, including a 1,000-gallon water capacity—nearly triple that of the Hueys—and night operation

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