L188 ELECTRA
FEATURES
​
The L-188 Electra is one of the most effective large capacity or "heavy" air tankers for the control of wild fires. The L-188 Electra is fast, maneuverable and capable of carrying 3000 gallons of fire retardant. The four turbine engines of this aircraft ensures it has tremendous power and range to fight distant fires and the most extreme conditions. Coupled with the computerized constant/variable flow RADS II tank, the performance of the L-188 Electra is unsurpassed by any other turbine-powered air tanker.

Key Advantages
  • four turbine engines for power and safety
  • lower cost than "next generation" Airtankers
  • extremely long range and mission endurance (4 hours) 
  • 3000 gallon payload
  • constant/variable flow RADS II tank system provides line building or full tank initial attack
  • fast turnaround time
  • proven safety record
SPECIFICATIONS
​
  • Engines - Allison 501-D13 constant speed axial flow gas turbine engine
  • Normal Retardant Load - 3,000 US gallons
  • Normal Loaded Cruise Speed - 330 knots
  • Drop Speed and Configuration under various conditions - 125 - 140 knots
  • Minimum safe maneuvering speed @ fire bombing flap settings - 120 knots    
  • Rate of Climb at maximum takeoff weight - all engines - 1500’ - 2000’ per minute
  • Gravel Strip operating capabilities - compacted gravel
  • Time Required - cold start to ready for take-off - 3 minutes
  • Flight Endurance in hours under normal loaded Cruise @ 12,000 feet ASL - 4.5 hours
  • Flight Endurance in hours under normal loaded Cruise on fire bombing missions @ 5,000 feet ASL - 4.0 hours (5,000 lbs. per hour)