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Re: PB4Y Down

Posted by Joe Scheil on Fri Jul 19, 2002 01:36:09 AM

In reply top Re: PB4Y Down posted by peter on Thu Jul 18, 2002 10:35:55 PM

: It was only a matter of time...
: these warbirds were never designed to fight fires in the
: first place and to do so for sooo long without replaceme
: nt is unbelievable. can you imagine companys in the UK sti
: ll running lancs for this type of work???

The warbirds like the PB4Y were designed to fight shipping and hostile emplacements on the ground at low level. Aerial Firefighting is a similar mission, with similar stresses on the aircraft. The PB4Y has been a dependable aircraft for many years, and none would have survived had it not been for the mission and the men and women that maintain them. As for the only aircraft designed for the job, the CL215/415, it is not as capable an aircraft as the ones it was to replace. The C-130 may be a fish out of water in Firefighting, but the WWII types and contemporarys do a great efficient job. C-54's are still the best dollar for dollar tanker going. A Lancaster may be tough enough, but too expensive. (Merlins) But would have made a great Firefighter. Incidentally the JRM Mars is the best out there, bar none. Also a patrol bomber...

PB4Y-2 Bu 66260 , ex USCG was tanked in 1966 by Avery as #B23 and went to H&P in 1969. Our condolences to the brave men who staffed her on the line this year, and to those that worked and played with them. Truly skilled and brave men.

A

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