Wild fires are unpredictable and highly destructive natural disasters resulting in loss of life and property in many parts of the world. International Air Response has been a global provider of aerial firefighting services for over 30 years. IAR's ability to provide exceptionally maintained aircraft, experienced crews, and the most advanced aerial firefighting systems has made it an industry leader in this challenging field.
When used for aerial firefighting, IAR C-130s are equipped with the Retardant Aerial Delivery System commonly referred to as RADS. This proven system is arguably the most advanced in use today. Its quick installation tank and computer controlled release mechanism allow our C-130 crews to deliver a precise and continuous line of firefighting retardant at the exact desired coverage level without the dangerous gaps common to other forms of delivery.
This rapidly deployable system also allows us to convert our C-130s from the basic transport configuration to an aerial firefighting configuration or back in about one hour. This unique versatility allows IAR customers to conduct two very different types of missions with one aircraft in a short amount of time. This added efficiency minimizes the costs that result when other types of multi-purpose aircraft sit on the ground for extended periods of time while being reconfigured between dissimilar missions.
Over the years, International Air Response has spanned the globe carrying out this vital mission from Alaska and the lower 48 United States to the Mediterranean Coasts of France and Spain. Our efforts have helped save many lives, protected millions of acres of land, and preserved many homes and historic landmarks from destruction by wild fires.
