Two brand new Sikorsky S70i Firehawk helicopters were loaded onto trucks on Saturday, October 28, 2017, at Germany’s Port of Bremerhaven as they began their transatlantic journey to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Scheduled for delivery in December 2017, both helicopters are anticipated to be operational by the 2018 fire season.

The duo have been equipped with mission-specific features including a 1,000-gallon water tank, custom landing gear and a rescue hoist.

The purchase of the helicopters for the Department’s Air Operations Section was authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on July 11, 2017.