A Large Air Tanker is a fixed-wing aircraft capable of carrying between 2,000 and 4,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. These aircraft are critical in wildland firefighting for building retardant lines ahead of an advancing fire front. They are typically converted commercial airliners or military transport planes equipped with specialized gravity-drop or pressurized tank systems.
Heard on the job
Air attack is requesting two LATs to lay retardant on the northern ridge before the wind shifts.
Insider tip
LATs require a lead plane to guide them through the drop zone and ensure the terrain is safe for their low-altitude runs.
Also heard as
- Large Air Tanker
Do not mix it up with
- VLAT: A LAT carries 2,000 to 4,000 gallons, whereas a VLAT carries over 8,000 gallons.