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11 July 2025
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Technology: Fighting wildfires: about Airbus’ new firefighting jet
Airbus has been testing a firefighting jet that can carry more retardant than any on the market, which could help control wildfire spread. Wildfires have become an increasing issue in recent years, with incidents the Los Angeles wildfires and Australian bushfires causing significant damage. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, climate change has already led to an increase in wildfire season length, frequency and burned area. In a bid to further develop support mechanisms, Airbus has been testing the A400M Firefighting Kit.
“This marks a pivotal moment in the fight against devastating wildfires,” says Julie Kitcher, chief sustainability officer at Airbus.
Julie has been working in aerospace for more than 20 years, mainly focusing on the decarbonisation of the sector. In her position now she oversees the company’s sustainability roadmap, focussing on environmental, societal, regulatory and technological challenges. “This project is a clear illustration of Airbus's positive handprint in action,” Julie continues.
“It's a powerful demonstration of how we can leverage our aerospace expertise to actively help protecting communities, safeguarding ecosystems and building resilience against global challenges like climate change.”
What are the consequences of wildfires?
It is estimated that millions of wildfires occur globally every year, having a significant impact on the environment. Wildfires remove the surface vegetation and alter soil properties, affecting nutrients and water quality. It creates a significant source of black carbon which can intensify heatwaves and accelerate climate change. The smoke can pollute air quality and the increased risk of disease from this is still being investigated.
Wildlife can experience long-term threats from habitat loss and reduced food sources. Both humans and animals can suffer from illness due to smoke inhalation.
What will the A400M do differently?
The A400M drops 20,000 litres of retardant, creating high concentration lines over 400 metres long on the ground. This is more than four times more litres than the company’s current largest firefighting helicopter.
Since July of 2022, Airbus has been performing tests using the A400M, concluding that this equipment can not be found anywhere else on the market. It has high-dropping capacity, manoeuvrability and the latest safety standards for both day and night operations. Additionally, its removable kit means any A400M aircraft can quickly be converted for firefighting.
Key facts about Airbus aerial firefighting:
“We have tested a new version of the kit, improving dropping efficiency and reducing discharge time by over 30% compared to last year, while combined with rapid deployment and easy installation on the A400M aircraft,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus.
Jean has been in the airspace industry for more than two decades. He focuses on defence and attack in aviation, whilst promoting diversity and team work in his leadership. “We continue to pioneer new solutions and capabilities for our A400M fleet, in this case protecting populations and natural environments from fires,” he explains.
“The Centre d'Essais et de Recherche de l'Entente-Valabre (CEREN), an independent French institution that is authorised and approved by the Ministry of the Interior, has just conducted a test campaign on an A400M to evaluate our firefighting kit. After two successful trials in Spain in 2022 and 2023, this French campaign represents a decisive step in consolidating this new capability within the A400M fleet. It is also a step forward for all of our aerial firefighting solutions.”
The successful tests in France means that soon the A400M could be used to tackle wildfires in remote and difficult to reach areas.
Photo1: The A400M can drop fire retardant from as low as 30 metres - Credits: Airbus/Adrian Molinos - Mango Producciones
Photo2: Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications, Airbus - Credit: Airbus
Photo3: Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power, Airbus - Credit: Airbus
Sources: Airbus, Sustainability Magazine
“This marks a pivotal moment in the fight against devastating wildfires,” says Julie Kitcher, chief sustainability officer at Airbus.
Julie has been working in aerospace for more than 20 years, mainly focusing on the decarbonisation of the sector. In her position now she oversees the company’s sustainability roadmap, focussing on environmental, societal, regulatory and technological challenges. “This project is a clear illustration of Airbus's positive handprint in action,” Julie continues.
“It's a powerful demonstration of how we can leverage our aerospace expertise to actively help protecting communities, safeguarding ecosystems and building resilience against global challenges like climate change.”
What are the consequences of wildfires?
It is estimated that millions of wildfires occur globally every year, having a significant impact on the environment. Wildfires remove the surface vegetation and alter soil properties, affecting nutrients and water quality. It creates a significant source of black carbon which can intensify heatwaves and accelerate climate change. The smoke can pollute air quality and the increased risk of disease from this is still being investigated.
Wildlife can experience long-term threats from habitat loss and reduced food sources. Both humans and animals can suffer from illness due to smoke inhalation.
What will the A400M do differently?
The A400M drops 20,000 litres of retardant, creating high concentration lines over 400 metres long on the ground. This is more than four times more litres than the company’s current largest firefighting helicopter.
Since July of 2022, Airbus has been performing tests using the A400M, concluding that this equipment can not be found anywhere else on the market. It has high-dropping capacity, manoeuvrability and the latest safety standards for both day and night operations. Additionally, its removable kit means any A400M aircraft can quickly be converted for firefighting.
Key facts about Airbus aerial firefighting:
- The programme participates in fire combat, where helicopters drop water, foam or retardant on or in front of the fire, helping reduce or stop the spread
- Airbus can evacuate residents from burning areas within minutes
- Technology can detect the intensity of the flames and where the fire started
- Using airdrop, Airbus provides transport for firefighters to localised areas
- Helicopters can drop between 1200 and 4000 litres of water at once
“We have tested a new version of the kit, improving dropping efficiency and reducing discharge time by over 30% compared to last year, while combined with rapid deployment and easy installation on the A400M aircraft,” says Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus.
Jean has been in the airspace industry for more than two decades. He focuses on defence and attack in aviation, whilst promoting diversity and team work in his leadership. “We continue to pioneer new solutions and capabilities for our A400M fleet, in this case protecting populations and natural environments from fires,” he explains.
“The Centre d'Essais et de Recherche de l'Entente-Valabre (CEREN), an independent French institution that is authorised and approved by the Ministry of the Interior, has just conducted a test campaign on an A400M to evaluate our firefighting kit. After two successful trials in Spain in 2022 and 2023, this French campaign represents a decisive step in consolidating this new capability within the A400M fleet. It is also a step forward for all of our aerial firefighting solutions.”
The successful tests in France means that soon the A400M could be used to tackle wildfires in remote and difficult to reach areas.
Photo1: The A400M can drop fire retardant from as low as 30 metres - Credits: Airbus/Adrian Molinos - Mango Producciones
Photo2: Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer and Communications, Airbus - Credit: Airbus
Photo3: Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power, Airbus - Credit: Airbus
Sources: Airbus, Sustainability Magazine