AIRTEC is continuing to provide critical information for preventing and controlling wildfires through an exclusive 5-year contract lease of our specially modified King Air B300. This AIRTEC aircraft is mission-ready due to its range, reliability, and equipment including the latest sensor and camera equipment as well as integration of SpaceX Starlink technology for over the horizon data and communications. This state-of-the-art aircraft platform and equipment will provide critical image and mapping data needed to help prevent and control the spread of wildfires in the western United States including California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Washington state.

Owyhee Air Research (OAR) (owyheeair.com) led the effort to secure the 10-year Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) with the U.S. Forest Service. This type of contract award helps ensure flexibility and maximum efficiency with various on-call and exclusive-use task order options available since the typical fire season of June 1 through November 15 is now starting earlier and extending later, as we have witnessed recently with the devasting California wildfires.

The AIRTEC team provided expertise to get all modifications certified, provided on-site support for the required Part 135 and Forest Service inspections, and provided program and contracts support for the successful bid. We would like to recognize Turbo Air, Inc. (https://www.turboairboi.com/) located in Boise, Idaho who provides exceptional maintenance services resulting in minimal downtime. The aircraft will be operated and crewed by OAR and AIRTEC will continue modifications to meet other FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) requirements to maximize flight hours.

This opportunity was the result of an ongoing strategic partner relationship with OAR, our platform and equipment integration expertise and availability, and dedication and perseverance by all involved. Previous collaboration efforts have resulted in a record number of successful ground and aerial firefighter missions in the western U.S. and this will continue to enable agencies to detect hot spots and develop fire maps to make more rapid, informed decisions.

As an industry leader in global airborne solutions, AIRTEC continues to provide expertise across critical mission areas and partners with some of the world’s leading aviation and technology companies to provide full life cycle, integrated platform solutions and cutting-edge capabilities. AIRTEC specializes in supporting critical, urgent missions with rapid deployment and sustainment at the point of need. We are proud to be a part of this mission and committed to providing solutions to solve important, global challenges. Please contact our team at BD@flyAIRTEC.com to see how we can solve your challenge.

Our support is with those on the front lines fighting the recent California wildfires and our hearts are with those who have suffered unimaginable loss. May the work we do together help prevent and stop the spread of wildfires like this in the future. If you would like to support the American Red Cross to help families in need as a result of this disaster, visit https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/ and select California Wildfires 2025.