World's largest, fastest firefighting aircraft unveiled in Colorado

Global SuperTanker's converted 747-400 is said to be deployable anywhere in the world within 20 hours.

The world’s largest and fastest firefighting airplane, the "Spirit of John Muir", was unveiled at its new base in the US state of Colorado on Thursday (May 5).

Launched by Global SuperTanker Services, the plane is said to be able to reach any part of the world in 20 hours – including fuel stops. The plane can also “deliver nearly 20,000 gallons of water or fire retardant, in multiple drops at variable rates, to create a finely tuned response to firefighting needs”, the company said.

The company said the plane, a converted B747-400, will enhance international firefighting efforts at a time when wildfires have increased in frequency and intensity.

"Longer and more destructive fire seasons are a global problem and Global SuperTanker can deliver a global, rapid solution," Jim Wheeler, president and CEO of the company, said in a statement.

The plane was launched by Global SuperTanker Services in Colorado Springs from where it can be dispatched to any part of Western United States within three hours.

The company added that the plane operates “without any speed, altitude or operational restriction and provides a level of safety to ground personnel, property and natural resources”.