MAFFS
MODULAR AIRBORNE
FIREFIGHTING SYSTEM
Airborne firefighting made accessible & efficient
Wildfire suppression efforts are boosted with the MAFFS modular retardant delivery system. Designed and developed in close coordination with the US Forest Service, the US Air Force, and Lockheed Martin, the MAFFS II unit was created to make airborne firefighting as accessible and efficient as possible, providing a surge to firefighting capacities when needed most. With a 3,000-gallon capacity, the pressurized modular tank is applicable to any C-130H and C-130J aircraft, and can be installed and uninstalled quickly with minimal modification to the aircraft.
Modularity Means Flexibility
A modular retardant delivery system like the MAFFS II can be moved and installed based on aircraft availability, permitting aircraft and fleet flexibility. There is no longer a dependence on availability of commercial airtankers, which may be otherwise occupied or out of action in the moment that disaster unexpectedly strikes, providing a surge in firefighting aircraft presence. A trailer and other necessary ground support equipment are included to facilitate storage and installation.
Variable Retardant Delivery Amounts
Be in control of your retardant delivery. The MAFFS II can dispel retardant in variable amounts as deemed necessary by the severity and formation of the fire. The unit can saturate every 100 square feet of surface with 8 gallons of retardant, twice the coverage capability of older MAFFS units.
Rapid Installation,
Rapid Mission Completion
The MAFFS II is ideal for the high-pressure situations presented by wildfire emergencies. Void of time-consuming modifications, the rig can be installed in less than an hour, ready to fly, deliver its urgent payload and complete the suppression mission. After the job is done, the system can be uninstalled and completely removed from the fuselage in as little time.
Pressurized
& Safe
The safety of the firefighting team can’t be compromised in fire fighting missions. The retardant leaves the MAFFS II unit through a nozzle attached to a sealed paratroop door plug at the rear of the fuselage, meaning the tank has isolated pressure. This not only allows for untethered operations, but also means the aircraft remains appropriately pressurized for crew comfort and safety.
