A specialized aircraft used in aerial firefighting to drop massive loads of water, foam, or chemical retardants directly onto wildfires. These machines range from modified military bombers and commercial airliners to purpose-built amphibious flying boats that scoop water from lakes while skimming the surface. Pilots must fly heavy, fluid-filled airframes at extremely low altitudes through dense smoke and severe thermal turbulence to hit precise drop zones.
Heard on the job
We've a waterbomber inbound for a drop, so keep all ground crews clear of the target ridge.
Insider tip
Flying a waterbomber requires managing massive, sudden shifts in the aircraft's center of gravity the exact moment thousands of gallons of fluid are released.
Also heard as
- airtanker
- firebomber