11 June 2025: Transall Tankers has today announced plans to significantly strengthen Australia’s aerial firefighting capability, with the introduction of fixed-wing firefighting aircraft designed to operate in rugged and remote locations.
Subject to CASA approval, Transall Tankers plans to operate three Transall C-160 fixed-wing aircraft, providing a major uplift in heavy-lift aerial firefighting capacity and improving the ability to respond rapidly to bushfires and other natural disasters across regional Australia.
Transall Tankers Founder and President John McDermott said the Transall C-160 is widely recognised for its high-wing configuration, long-range endurance, short take-off and landing capability, and heavy-lift performance, making it ideally suited to operate in challenging terrain and remote environments both in Australia and overseas.
“These aircraft are built for tough jobs in tough places,” said John.
“They’re part of our broader strategy to grow our fleet, scale our international footprint, and bring new technology to the frontline of firefighting both at home and overseas, including Europe and North America.”
Since arriving in Australia two years ago, and while approvals are progressing through CASA, the aircraft has been fitted with a world-first tank system developed in partnership with Queensland-based Helitak Firefighting Equipment, setting a new benchmark in aerial firefighting innovation.
“This is a major step forward – not just for our operations, but for the industry and communities globally as we continue to battle extreme weather conditions,” added John.
“We’ve worked closely with Helitak to develop a tank system that is lightweight, rugged, and high-performing, and will allow these aircraft to deliver precision, power, and safety where it matters most – in the field, during fire season.
“We are undertaking the final certifications for the tank and will be seeking certification that will allow us to complete the testing of this aircraft which, once approved, will dramatically change the way we fight fires, especially in remote or rural areas that are not able to cope with other large, fixed-wing aircraft.”
The Transall C-160’s design allows it to safely land on regional airstrips, whereas larger fixed-wing aircraft must return to a suitable base to refill.
“We will carry retardant in powder form, and as long as there is a water source, we will be able to refill and be back in the air in approximately 10 minutes, making the addition of these aircraft an incredible asset to our fleet,” said John.
The Helitak FT Series tank, designed specifically for the C-160 platform, is the first fixed-wing tank of its kind in the world. It integrates seamlessly with the aircraft’s frame and provides rapid-fill, high-volume water and retardant delivery, tailored for Australian firefighting conditions.
“To design and deliver our first fixed-wing tank system for such a capable aircraft is a milestone,” said Jason Schellaars, CEO of Helitak.
“Combining proven military-grade aircraft with cutting-edge Australian design is exactly the kind of collaboration that will define the future of aerial firefighting.”
While the design capacity of the tank is 16,000 litres, the average payload will be around 14,000 litres, and it will take three minutes to refill.
The system has been jointly developed, with John McDermott initiating the concept and Helitak’s engineering team bringing it to life.
“As soon as we receive CASA certification, these aircraft will be fully operational. Our goal is to have all three aircraft mission-ready before the 2025/26 fire season, as these powerful new assets will further strengthen our world-class aerial response capabilities,” added John.
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