Columbia Helicopters, August 18, 2021 - Aurora, Oregon – Columbia Helicopters last month signed a contract partnering with CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. to provide two (2) Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinooks for firefighting and external load operations in Turkey.
The contract encompasses the fire season and marks Columbia’s first operation in the country.
CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. is the original awardee of the contract with the Turkey General Directorate of Forestry and is subcontracting with Columbia to provide the aircraft, crew, and maintenance support.
“This contract marks a significant milestone for Columbia Helicopters – our first time operating in Turkey and hopefully the beginning of a long-term partnership,” says Olivia Wolfgram-Rubio, business development and marketing manager at Columbia Helicopters. “The 234 Multi-Mission Chinook delivers significant support in protecting life and property. We know it will be extremely successful in helping battle wildfires and protecting Turkish citizens now, and we hope, well into the future.”
While the 234 can operate with Columbia’s 2,800-gallon Fire Attack System (FAS) internal tank, the aircraft on this contract utilize the 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket for precision water and retardant drops.
Columbia’s 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopter is fully certified to civilian transport category standards, allowing it to transport internal cargo and passengers. Originally certified by Boeing, the aircraft certificate is now owned and supported by Columbia. Today, as the aircraft’s OEM, Columbia provides all sustainment, training, and MRO capabilities to support the aircraft around the globe.
About Columbia Helicopters: Columbia Helicopters is the global leader in heavy-lift helicopter operations and a trusted expert in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Backed by over 60 years of experience, Columbia operates internationally, often conducting operations in remote, austere conditions. The company has a rich history of providing safe and reliable aircraft and qualified personnel that meet demanding global transport requirements. Columbia’s capabilities in internal and external cargo, passenger transportation, construction, infrastructure, logistics support, and maintenance are trusted worldwide for supporting a diverse customer base.
About CMC: CMC Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. is a Turkish privately owned company active in Energy, Defense Industry by security systems and technologies, AI & IT at many areas, Drone Technologies focused on working on potential value-added R&D projects. CMC Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. has always been supplying innovative technologies for Turkey and the latest technologies in Fire Fighting.
The contract encompasses the fire season and marks Columbia’s first operation in the country.
CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. is the original awardee of the contract with the Turkey General Directorate of Forestry and is subcontracting with Columbia to provide the aircraft, crew, and maintenance support.
“This contract marks a significant milestone for Columbia Helicopters – our first time operating in Turkey and hopefully the beginning of a long-term partnership,” says Olivia Wolfgram-Rubio, business development and marketing manager at Columbia Helicopters. “The 234 Multi-Mission Chinook delivers significant support in protecting life and property. We know it will be extremely successful in helping battle wildfires and protecting Turkish citizens now, and we hope, well into the future.”
While the 234 can operate with Columbia’s 2,800-gallon Fire Attack System (FAS) internal tank, the aircraft on this contract utilize the 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket for precision water and retardant drops.
Columbia’s 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopter is fully certified to civilian transport category standards, allowing it to transport internal cargo and passengers. Originally certified by Boeing, the aircraft certificate is now owned and supported by Columbia. Today, as the aircraft’s OEM, Columbia provides all sustainment, training, and MRO capabilities to support the aircraft around the globe.
About Columbia Helicopters: Columbia Helicopters is the global leader in heavy-lift helicopter operations and a trusted expert in maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. Backed by over 60 years of experience, Columbia operates internationally, often conducting operations in remote, austere conditions. The company has a rich history of providing safe and reliable aircraft and qualified personnel that meet demanding global transport requirements. Columbia’s capabilities in internal and external cargo, passenger transportation, construction, infrastructure, logistics support, and maintenance are trusted worldwide for supporting a diverse customer base.
About CMC: CMC Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. is a Turkish privately owned company active in Energy, Defense Industry by security systems and technologies, AI & IT at many areas, Drone Technologies focused on working on potential value-added R&D projects. CMC Savunma Sanayi A.Ş. has always been supplying innovative technologies for Turkey and the latest technologies in Fire Fighting.
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| I am in Turkey now, the situation is extremely difficult, with resources stretched to their limits. The addition of the two Model 234 Chinooks from the highly experienced Columbia Helicopters to battle these fires will come as welcome news for many👏 |
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