LA County Fire Department Enhances Fleet with New S-70i FIREHAWK Helicopters

LA County Fire Department Levels Up Its Aerial Arsenal with New FIREHAWKs

In a decisive move to bolster its emergency response capabilities, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACOFD) is modernizing its fleet with the acquisition of two new S-70i FIREHAWK® helicopters from Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. This procurement isn’t just a routine equipment upgrade; it represents a critical reinforcement of the county’s frontline defense against the escalating threat of wildfires. For over two decades, the FIREHAWK® has been an indispensable tool in the LACOFD’s arsenal, a versatile workhorse born from a unique collaboration between firefighters and aerospace engineers. The decision to invest in the latest generation of this aircraft underscores a commitment to leveraging advanced technology to protect lives and property across a sprawling 4,000-square-mile jurisdiction.

The story of the FIREHAWK® is deeply intertwined with the history of firefighting in California. It began in the late 1990s when LACOFD leadership envisioned adapting the U.S. Army’s formidable Black Hawk® helicopter for a domestic, life-saving mission. This forward-thinking initiative led to the creation of a multi-role aerial asset capable of not just aggressive wildfire suppression but also performing critical search and rescue, medical evacuations, and disaster relief operations. The platform’s success has made it a staple for fire agencies across the state, demonstrating the power of purpose-built innovation in the face of increasingly complex and dangerous environmental challenges.

This fleet modernization comes at a time when the stakes have never been higher. Wildfire seasons are growing longer and more intense, a trend tragically highlighted by events like the 2025 Palisades Fire, which devastated large swaths of Los Angeles County. The addition of these new S-70i models is a direct response to this reality. By enhancing their ability to conduct round-the-clock operations, even in the treacherous conditions created by Santa Ana winds, the LACOFD is better positioning itself to execute its strategy of aggressive initial attacks, aiming to contain fires before they can erupt into uncontrollable catastrophes. This is about more than just new hardware; it’s about fortifying a proven strategy with the best tools available.

The Evolution of an Aerial Firefighting Legend

The partnership between the LACOFD and Sikorsky is a testament to collaborative innovation. It was the fire department’s operational insight that sparked the transformation of a military-grade helicopter into a premier firefighting machine. The original vision was to create an aircraft that could not only drop a significant amount of water with precision but also withstand the punishing conditions of California’s unique topography and weather patterns. The result was the FIREHAWK®, an aircraft that has been continuously refined over 25 years based on real-world feedback from the crews who fly it into the heart of the blaze.

The S-70i FIREHAWK® represents the culmination of this evolution. It is built on the robust and battle-proven airframe of the Black Hawk®, known for its durability and superior maneuverability. This foundation provides a stronger, more resilient platform capable of operating in extreme environments where other aircraft might be grounded. The design allows it to perform aggressive maneuvers, like navigating tight canyons, even when fully loaded with water, crew, and gear. This ruggedness is a core component of its effectiveness, ensuring reliability when it is needed most.

What truly sets the FIREHAWK® apart is its multi-mission flexibility. While its primary role is wildfire suppression, the aircraft can be rapidly reconfigured for a wide array of emergency scenarios. This “all-in-one” capability is a force multiplier for a department like LACOFD, which handles everything from backcountry rescues to urban emergencies. The ability to switch from dropping water to hoisting a stranded hiker or transporting trauma patients makes the FIREHAWK® an incredibly efficient and valuable asset, maximizing the department’s operational readiness for any situation.

“The FIREHAWK helicopter has been the cornerstone of our aerial firefighting capability for more than two decades. Adding two more proven platforms enhances our ability to respond to all types of emergency situations across the county and contain wildfires before they get out of control, even under the most challenging conditions.” – Anthony C. Marrone, County of Los Angeles Fire Chief

Advanced Capabilities for a Modern Threat

The new S-70i models bring enhanced features that directly address the challenges of modern firefighting. At the heart of its suppression capability is a 1,000-gallon water tank, which can be refilled in under 60 seconds via a retractable snorkel. This rapid-refill system allows for quick turnaround times, enabling the helicopter to deliver more water to the fire line in a shorter period, a critical factor in the initial attack phase of a wildfire. The precision of its water drops allows crews to target hot spots with surgical accuracy, maximizing the impact of each gallon.

Powered by twin turbine engines, the FIREHAWK® boasts impressive performance metrics, reaching speeds of up to 155 knots and operating at altitudes from sea level to 10,000 feet. This power is particularly crucial for battling fires driven by the infamous Santa Ana winds, which can create extreme turbulence and ground less capable aircraft. Furthermore, the S-70i is equipped with night vision-compatible flight controls, a game-changing feature that allows firefighting operations to continue after dark. Nighttime often presents a strategic window when fire activity subsides due to lower temperatures and higher humidity, and the ability to fly and fight during these hours significantly increases the chances of containment.

This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by Lockheed Martin termed “21st Century Firefighting,” which aims to integrate digital technology and AI-enabled intelligence into wildfire management. The goal is to provide first responders with near real-time data to support faster, more informed decision-making. While the FIREHAWK® serves as the physical tool on the front lines, this larger vision encompasses a suite of solutions, including fixed-wing aircraft like the C-130 Hercules and advanced intelligence platforms. This holistic approach signals a shift towards a more technologically integrated and data-driven era of emergency response.

A Strengthened Shield for California

The addition of two new S-70i FIREHAWK® helicopters to the LACOFD fleet is a significant enhancement of the county’s emergency response infrastructure. It reaffirms a quarter-century-long partnership built on a shared commitment to protecting communities. This move is not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about proactively adapting to a changing climate and the intensified wildfire threat that comes with it. The proven track record of the FIREHAWK®, combined with the advanced capabilities of the new models, provides firefighters with a superior tool to save lives, protect property, and preserve California’s natural landscapes.

Looking ahead, the reliance on advanced aerial assets like the FIREHAWK® is set to grow. As agencies like LACOFD and CAL FIRE continue to modernize their fleets, the integration of cutting-edge technology will become standard practice. The concept of “21st Century Firefighting” points to a future where AI, real-time data, and highly capable aircraft work in concert to create a more effective and predictive approach to wildfire management. This investment by Los Angeles County is a crucial step in that direction, ensuring that its fire department remains one of the best-equipped and most capable in the world, ready to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.

FAQ

Question: What is the FIREHAWK® helicopter?
Answer: The FIREHAWK® is a specialized firefighting and multi-mission helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. It is a civilian version of the military UH-60 Black Hawk®, specifically modified for aerial firefighting, medical evacuations, search and rescue, and other emergency response missions.

Question: What are the key features of the new S-70i FIREHAWK®?
Answer: The S-70i model features a 1,000-gallon water tank with a snorkel that allows for refilling in under a minute, powerful twin turbine engines enabling high-speed flight in strong winds, and night vision-compatible controls for 24/7 operations. It is also highly versatile and can be quickly reconfigured for different missions.

Question: Why is this modernization important for Los Angeles County?
Answer: With the increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires in California, having advanced aerial firefighting equipment is critical. The new FIREHAWKs® will enhance the LA County Fire Department’s ability to conduct rapid initial attacks on fires, operate in challenging weather conditions, and perform a variety of life-saving missions around the clock, ultimately providing better protection for the 4.1 million residents it serves.

Sources: Lockheed Martin News Release