Rio Negro Province, January 19, 2026 - Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina - Río Negro Province has secured a specialized helicopter for the current wildfire season, dedicated to combating forest fires in the Andean region. The aircraft, contracted by the Province, was officially presented today by Governor Alberto Weretilneck at San Carlos de Bariloche Airport.
The helicopter is unique in Argentina. It can transport between 17 and 19 passengers in addition to its crew and features a water-dropping capacity of 4,000 liters using two Bambi Buckets—flexible, collapsible tanks designed to transport and release water with high precision.
A key advantage of this aircraft is its exceptionally low operational restriction, allowing operations with wind components of up to 90 km/h. This capability enables missions to continue under more demanding weather conditions than typically possible.
During the presentation, Matías Osterc, President of Aero Guardian, the company awarded the contract, explained that one Bambi Bucket is configured for sequential discharge while the other performs a single release. He also announced that a belly tank—an externally mounted ventral tank attached to the underside of the helicopter—is en route. This system will add 500 liters of capacity while maintaining a total operational discharge of 4,000 liters.
Osterc noted that the helicopter is equipped for third- and fourth-generation wildfire suppression and is designed as a multi-purpose platform. Two spare replacement turbines are included to ensure continuous operations from first light through sunset, even in the event of a mechanical issue.
The operation is further supported by 24/7 mobile maintenance units staffed with specialized engineers and mechanics, along with all necessary tooling, allowing the aircraft to return to service rapidly if required.
The helicopter will operate in constant coordination with other provincial and national firefighting resources as part of Río Negro’s integrated wildfire response system.
Osterc emphasized that the flight crews are highly experienced and of Canadian origin, as is the company. They bring extensive operational backgrounds in third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation wildfire environments. Aero Guardian specializes exclusively in heavy-lift helicopter operations, including platforms capable of delivering up to 10,000 liters of water.
Pilots are authorized under Argentine regulations to fly up to 10 or 11 hours per day, with crew rotations as needed. This allows for prolonged and sustained operations during emergency situations, such as those recently experienced in neighboring Chubut Province.
The helicopter is unique in Argentina. It can transport between 17 and 19 passengers in addition to its crew and features a water-dropping capacity of 4,000 liters using two Bambi Buckets—flexible, collapsible tanks designed to transport and release water with high precision.
A key advantage of this aircraft is its exceptionally low operational restriction, allowing operations with wind components of up to 90 km/h. This capability enables missions to continue under more demanding weather conditions than typically possible.
During the presentation, Matías Osterc, President of Aero Guardian, the company awarded the contract, explained that one Bambi Bucket is configured for sequential discharge while the other performs a single release. He also announced that a belly tank—an externally mounted ventral tank attached to the underside of the helicopter—is en route. This system will add 500 liters of capacity while maintaining a total operational discharge of 4,000 liters.
Osterc noted that the helicopter is equipped for third- and fourth-generation wildfire suppression and is designed as a multi-purpose platform. Two spare replacement turbines are included to ensure continuous operations from first light through sunset, even in the event of a mechanical issue.
The operation is further supported by 24/7 mobile maintenance units staffed with specialized engineers and mechanics, along with all necessary tooling, allowing the aircraft to return to service rapidly if required.
The helicopter will operate in constant coordination with other provincial and national firefighting resources as part of Río Negro’s integrated wildfire response system.
Osterc emphasized that the flight crews are highly experienced and of Canadian origin, as is the company. They bring extensive operational backgrounds in third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation wildfire environments. Aero Guardian specializes exclusively in heavy-lift helicopter operations, including platforms capable of delivering up to 10,000 liters of water.
Pilots are authorized under Argentine regulations to fly up to 10 or 11 hours per day, with crew rotations as needed. This allows for prolonged and sustained operations during emergency situations, such as those recently experienced in neighboring Chubut Province.
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