SMSgt Flight and media

Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Flight, a MAFFS-qualified loadmaster with the 302nd Airlift Wing Reserve Command, explains how the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, works to Colorado media outlets June 25 here. Four MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules were called into service to assist with wildland fires in the Rocky Mountain area. The two planes from Peterson were joined by two Air National Guard planes from Wyoming. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Daniel Butterfield)

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A Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, equipped C-130 Hercules prepares to depart June 25 here to assist with the Waldo Canyon fire efforts. The aircraft was one of two assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command’s 302nd Airlift Wing that will drop retardant in order to help with fire suppression. The two Colorado aircraft were joined by two Air National Guard MAFFS-equipped C-130s from Wyoming. (U.S. Air Force/photo/Tech. Sgt. Daniel Butterfield)

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Lt. Col. Luke Thompson, 302nd Airlift Wing Chief of Aerial Firefighting, spoke with media June 25 here about the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS. The two Air Force Reserve MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules from the 302nd were activated to assist with wildland fires in the Rocky Mountain area. They were joined by two MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Wyoming Air National Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Daniel Butterfield)

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Air Force Reserve and Wyoming Air National Guard continue aerial fire fighting in Colorado

Published June 26, 2012

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Two Air Force Reserve Command C-130 Hercules aircraft from the 302nd Airlift Wing were joined by two C-130s from the Wyoming Air National Guard June 25 here to begin aerial fire fighting missions in the Rocky Mountain region.

The four Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, equipped aircraft represent half of the total fleet available in the United States. The systems, which are owned by the U.S. Forest Service, can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Refilling the unit takes less than 12 minutes once on the ground.

SMSgt Flight and media