Amodei praises decision to award Ônext gen' airtanker contract to Minden Air

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brian Baluta, 202-225-6155

May 7, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-2) today praised the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) decision to award Minden Air Corporation, in Minden, Nev., one of five contracts to provide “next generation” airtankers for wildfire suppression. USFS is transitioning to the next generation airtankers to replace its aging “legacy” fleet. Legacy aircraft have been part of the USFS aviation program, in some cases, for decades. Minden Air is one of two companies with USFS contracts for legacy large airtankers.

“I was pleased that the U.S. Forest Service recognized Minden Air’s expertise in this specialized field and that the next generation airtanker transition will proceed,” said Amodei. “The addition of these new airtankers is vital as we are down to a core of eight legacy large airtankers at a time when much of the West faces significant fire potential. These planes are an important asset in our efforts to not only protect urban and rural populations, but to preserve sage hen habitat and prevent an endangered species listing.”

Next generation airtankers are turbine powered, can carry a minimum of 3,000 gallons of retardant, and have a cruise speed of at least 300 knots when fully loaded.

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