551 Squadron Reborn: A New Era in Wildfire Combat with UH-60 Black Hawks
The 551 Squadron “Panteras” is a squadron that, after a period of inactivity, is now celebrating its first anniversary since its reactivation. Equipped with the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, its main mission will be to combat wildfires.
A brief history
The 551 Squadron had its origins in 1978, being based at Air Base No. 6 in Montijo and flying the Alouette III helicopter. During that year, the squadron had several deployments spread from the north to the south of the country, between the beginning of July and the end of September, in order to support the fight against wildfires.
Over the years, the squadron has distinguished itself in carrying out various types of missions, from surveillance and rescue along the coast to tactical attack missions and guiding aircraft for bombing raids. In 1979, it was involved in rescuing and transporting people in Santarém due to the rising waters of the River Tagus, marking a huge achievement for the 551 Squadron.
In 1986, the squadron was deactivated and merged with the 552 Squadron.
Reactivation of the Squadron and the New Mission
With the transfer of the management of forest firefighting air assets to the Portuguese Air Force in 2018 and the subsequent authorization to acquire their own assets, six UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters were acquired from Arista Aviation Services, LLC.
The first two units arrived during 2023 and were officially presented on November 22. Two days later, on November 24, 2023, the reactivation of Squadron 551, baptized at the time as the “Panteras”, was made official. This squadron was based at Air Base No. 8, which was also re-designated on the same date, having previously been Aeródromo de Manobra No.1.
The remaining units are scheduled to arrive by the end of 2026.
The contract with Arista Aviation includes not only the supply of helicopters, but also maintenance and technical training packages, ensuring that pilots and ground crews are fully trained to operate and maintain the helicopters.
The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter
The UH-60 Black Hawk is one of the most widely recognized military helicopters in the world, known for its versatility, robustness and ability to operate in extreme conditions. Used by several nations in the most diverse types of missions, it is a helicopter with many years of proven track record.
Specifications (UH-60A):
Engine: 2 x General Electric T700-GE-700 turboshafts
Power: 3244 HP
Length: 19.50 m
Wingspan: 16.15 m
Height: 4.87 m
Maximum speed: 314 km/h
Maximum range: 02H50
Empty weight: 5200 kg
Maximum take-off weight: 9900 kg
Maximum laden weight: 3600 kg
Maximum ceiling: 6096 m
Range: 555 km
Passengers: 12
Crew: 2
Fuel: 1363 liters
The system used to fight wildfires will be the Bambi Bucket, which will allow 2950 L of water to be dropped on the flames, especially in complex terrain that is difficult to access.
Training and operations with the Bambi Bucket
Forest fires are an unfortunate reality that devastate vast areas of Portuguese territory every year. In order to have a more adequate response, crews have been undergoing intensive training in the use of the bambi bucket system in order to reach operational capacity by the year 2026.
This type of operation requires precision and coordination, especially in mountainous terrain or in close proximity to populations.
(Photos: Eduardo Cruz)
Expansion: Contract with ACE Aeronautics
In 2023, a new procurement process was launched for 3 more medium helicopters, to reinforce the 6 already ordered.
This procurement was won by ACE Aeronautics, which then became responsible for supplying three more UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, in this case the L version. This more advanced model includes significant improvements in avionics, more powerful engines and greater operational efficiency.
ACE Aeronautics has already been involved in the modernization process of the 6 UH-60A Black Hawk, acquired from Arista Aviation Services, namely in the modernization of the airframe and the installation of the modern Ace Deck G5000H integrated flight deck.
With this expansion, the 551 Squadron not only strengthens its capacity, but also paves the way for more demanding missions. These new helicopters are a step towards building a fully modern fleet capable of responding to current and future challenges.
(Photos: Ace Aeronautics, LLC)
