According to AeroTime, Germany-based Total Aeronautical Services (TAS) is preparing two retired German Air Force Transall C-160D airlifters to return to service as firefighting aircraft. The operator aims to have the first aircraft, allocated registration D-AMJT, operational for the summer 2027 wildfire season with support from Germany's Federal Aviation Office (LBA) and Bundeswehr procurement agency BAAINBw.
The converted aircraft will retain Kevlar armor from their military service to allow operations over ground contaminated by unexploded ordnance, where ground crews cannot safely enter. The firefighting system features an internal Helitak tank in the cargo hold carrying approximately 14 tonnes of water or retardant, discharging through the belly at up to 3,000 liters per second.
