Supporting aerial firefighting missions, the 
Boeing 767 is set to become the next chapter in Coulson Aviation USA’s Very Large Airtanker program (also known as VLAT). The program will mark a significant advancement in the capabilities of aerial firefighting and is intended to provide a more sustainable replacement to current VLAT platforms.
This comes as the world was forced to ground the MD11 and DC10 fleets, which has put immense pressure on firefighting agencies. The 767 is now being developed to support these agencies with an aircraft that can support a greater payload, while also offering lower fuel burn and providing long-term sustainability when compared to existing aircraft.
The Largest Iteration Of RADS
Coulson Aviation is one of the world’s largest aerial firefighting carriers. Being a global leader in its field, the Canadian company specializes in modified air tankers such as the Boeing 737, Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, or Type 1 Helicopter. Coulson has developed innovative solutions to support wildfire suppression, while providing emergency transport, heavy lift capabilities, and pioneering night firefighting operations.
The Boeing 767 is already a proven widebody that can support aerial firefighting operations while still being able to access parts availability, and is equipped with modern aviation systems that provide sufficient economics. The 767 VLAT will be incorporated with Coulson’s patented retardant delivery system (RADS), with the capability to still carry up to 160 passengers. The fuel tank capacity will exceed any VLAT that remains in current operations. President and CEO of Coulson Aviation USA, Britt Coulson, explains:
“The firefighting community is seeing rapid changes in available airframe types, and agencies need solutions that are safe, efficient, and supportable for decades. The 767 is a proven widebody platform with global support, parts availability, modern systems, and compelling operating economics. Our program builds on those strengths and will deliver performance beyond what legacy VLATs can provide.”
Multi-Mission Capabilities
This new aircraft will have designs considered that provide the same multi-mission, all-risk versatility that already supports the Coulson airtanker fleet. Improved gains in aircraft payload, with benefits of longer term maintenance reliability, will see the 767 complement the existing Coulson fleet (which includes the C-130H Hercules and 737 Fireliner).
Coulson continues to push the envelope and invest prematurely ahead of demand. This has seen the carrier become a reliable partner to support effective global aerial firefighting operations. The company will continue to provide agencies with strategic tools to cater to aerial suppression in high volumes over extended periods of time.
The 767 development has begun, with engineering, structural analysis, and other systems integrations already in the pipeline. The aircraft will provide a tanker capacity that will exceed any that currently remain in operation worldwide. The Boeing 767 VLAT program will become the next chapter in heavy aerial firefighting capability and support Coulson in delivering mission-ready solutions to the firefighting community.
How This Company Became The 1st In The World To Operate A Unique Pair Of Boeing 737s
It was the first time in the world that Boeing 737s were converted into dedicated aerial firefighting aircraft.
Coulson Aviation
Headquartered in Port Alberni, British Columbia, Coulson Aviation specializes in aerial firefighting across Canada, the United States, Australia, and Chile. Operating both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, it offers not only forest fire suppression systems, but also helicopter logging, power line construction, passenger transport, and other industrial heavy lift operations. Coulson Aviation USA Inc is a subsidiary of Coulson Aircrane.
Coulson is renowned for a diverse fleet of aircraft, which are mostly equipped with advanced retardant or water delivery systems. This integrated cutting-edge technology allows precise drops and rapid adaptation across daytime and nighttime firefighting. Established in 1960, Coulson is now a third-generation family business, which has evolved from initial timber operations to being the world leader in aerial firefighting.
Coulson continues to provide critical resources and expertise for communities combating wildfires, while also setting industry standards for innovation in their field. While based in Canada, their work spans across the globe, and through the manufacturing of their own tank systems, allows Coulson to continue to set the benchmark tanker capabilities.
