Seeing growing interest in aerial firefighting support and multi-mission applications, Daher Aircraft exhibited the Kodiak 900 during the Canadian Wildfire Conference last week in Kelowna, British Columbia, and highlighted the capabilities of the Kodiak 100 and the TBM 960.
The aircraft have been flown on the front lines of wildfire response in both the U.S. and Canada, providing aerial supervision, coordinating airtanker drops, and supporting real-time situational awareness during those missions, Daher reported.
“Our Kodiak and TBM bring complementary strengths to aerial wildfire operations,” said Daher CEO Nicolas Chabbert. “The Kodiak combines ruggedness, excellent handling qualities, and multi-mission adaptability, while the TBM delivers the speed, efficiency, and versatility needed to cover distances quickly and respond to changing operational demands.”
The Kodiak models, which offer long endurance and short takeoff and landing performance, are supporting aerial firefighting and multi-mission needs, while the TBM has entered service as an airborne command-and-control platform, used for monitoring the fire zones, assessing risks, and strategizing the deployment of water/retardant by airtankers, the airframer added.
Daher pointed to the recent introduction of a Kodiak 100 Series III into the U.S. Forest Service fleet. That aircraft underwent a comprehensive systems integration at Daher’s Sandpoint, Idaho facility, where the Kodiak lines are built. This included the installation of a Canyon AeroConnect digital communications control system, which connects the pilot, copilot, and cabin operator console. The system enables personnel at all three positions to communicate across multiple radios and supports coordination among airborne crews, ground personnel, and other agencies during complex missions.
“This integration represented a significant step forward for our team in both complexity and the level of capability delivered,” said Paul Carelli, senior director of multi-mission and business development for the Americas at Daher Aircraft. “The challenge goes well beyond installing individual pieces of equipment. The systems must work together reliably, the different crew positions must be able to communicate effectively, and the aircraft must meet the customer’s specific mission requirements.”
In addition, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation received a Kodiak 900 with communications-focused integration to support aerial fire attack, personnel transportation, and conservation-related activities. This integration involved a Canyon AeroConnect digital audio control system with an expanded radio configuration and Air Tactical Group Supervisor capability.
Bridger Aerospace, meanwhile, has acquired a fleet of four Kodiak 100s for air-attack-related aerial supervision, mapping, detection operations, and multi-mission intelligence, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources operates two Kodiak 100s for firefighting missions.
The North Carolina Forest Service’s Aviation Division uses a Kodiak 100 as a “load aircraft” to carry equipment and supplies to operational locations in support of airtankers in the wildfire suppression role. The Conair Group acquired and converted two TBM 960s into airborne command-and-control platforms to coordinate airtanker drops and provide real-time oversight during aerial firefighting operations.
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