Recoil Aerospace Inc. (Recoil), the leading designer of the world’s most advanced aerial fire suppression systems (AFSS), has obtained approval by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) for its Tsunami AFSS tank system.

U.S.-based Recoil’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR02584AK for the H225 Super Puma helicopter represents the only tank approved for operations with that aircraft. 

Key features of the tank system include underside fuselage mounting, retractable tank design, fastest airspeed available and rapid hover-filling.  

Kentucky-based Recoil adds this STC to a wide-ranging list of existing international approvals.  The Recoil STC is already in place in the United States and Canada as well as the Republic of Korea and other regions.

With the approval, Australian firefighting programs can immediately add this key technology upgrade for the emerging bushfire season across the continent.  Tsunami AFSS units are available for immediate acquisition.

“This certification is vital to assisting operators down under, particularly with the Australian fire season now underway,” says Recoil President and pilot Joseph Rice.  “Rapid installation combined with high volume, fixed tank water delivery means maximum fire suppression effectiveness.”

Rice adds, from a pilot’s perspective, the Tsunami AFSS is robust, fast to fly, reliable and highly maneuverable.

Additionally, the company announced the pending U.S. FAA approval of its Tsunami AFSS STC for the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter series, anticipated for the 2025 fire season in North America.

Recoil’s low-profile aerial suppression platform mounts directly to the fuselage, eliminating external long-line bucket operations, requiring no modifications to the helicopter landing gear.  Install and removal occurs in minutes.

A performance upgrade in capabilities from legacy external water buckets, firefighting crews are able to fly over urban population centers without the hazard of underslung, jettisonable loads.

Aerial suppression efforts become more efficient given rapid turnarounds and rapid response to incidents. Recoil provides full support including  its “Recoil Academy” training program from its Kentucky headquarters.

And importantly, Recoil is the only US-based company producing these types of modern, fuselage-mounted, fully retractable AFSS tanks. 

Tsunami Aerial Firefighting Systems Key Features:

US-manufactured & Supported

Comprehensive Tsunami AFSS Training Program/Recoil Training Academy

Fastest Airspeed Available - 130 Knot VNE

NVG IR Lights

Pulse Lights for safety in low-visibility conditions

Hailing Siren

132 liter (35 gallon) Integrated Foam Tank

Aerospace Carbon Fiber Construction

No Airframe Modifications

Install/Removal in Minutes   

Elimination of Longline/Jettisonable Load Hazards