The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has placed an initial order with Textron Aviation that could ultimately have the service acquiring as many as 20 new King Air 250s.
The first order is for one aircraft that Textron plans to deliver later this year. The USFS has been granted a budget to purchase up to 19 more of the aircraft from a $142 million award amount awarded by the Federal Business Opportunities.
The aircraft will be outfitted with special tactical audio and communications packages that will allow for aerial supervision, infrared mapping, tactical missions and forest health protection. These features are invaluable for a myriad of operations including the monitoring and fighting of forest fires.
Textron Aviation has provided numerous aircraft to the USFS over the past few decades with over 20 Beechcraft and Cessna in the current fleet.