The raging forest fires in Uttarakhand and the inability to douse the fires immediately has thrown up the issue of equipment and also strategy. We have listed some aerial solutions in this onerous task.

McDonnell Douglas DC-10: Specifications

Length  55.50 metres  Height  17.70 metres  Wingspan  50.41 metres  Number x engine type  3 turbofan engines  Engine  General Electric  CF6-50C / Pratt &  Whitney JT9D-20  Climb rate  2,000 fpm  Cruising speed  378 KTAS  Flight altitude  9,100-12,100 metres  Capacity  11,600 gallons of fire  suppressant  Suppressant tanks  Constant flow and  gravity fed  Crew, persons  3

Source: Various sources

Lockheed Martin C-130J: Specifications

Length  29.3 metres  Height  11. 9 metres  Wingspan  39.7 metres  Speed  417 mph at 6,706  metres  Ceiling  8,615 metres with  19,090 kg payload  Engine  Four Rolls-Royce AE  2100D3  turboprops; 4,700  horsepower  Maximum take-off weight  69,750 kg  Maximum allowable payload  19,090 kg  Range at maximum payload  2,071 miles (1,800  nautical miles)  Crew  3

Source: af.mil

Bombardier Q-400MR Airtanker: Specifications

Length  32.84 metres  Height  8.34 metres  Wingspan  28.42 metres  Number x engine type  2 x turboprop  Engine model  Pratt & Whitney  PW150A  Maximum take-off weight  67,200 lbs  Maximum tank capacity  10,000 litres  Cruising speed loaded  360 knots  Crew, persons  2

Source: conair.ca