US Forest Service

Fire & Aviation Management

MD-87 Info Briefing Paper

Updated June 20, 2014

Topic: MD-87 Next Gen LargeAirtankerInfo Brief

Issue:The MD-87 is an airtanker that was awarded on the Next Generation Large Airtanker contract. This Paper provides basic information and identifies several of the differences from Legacy aircraft.

Background:The MD-87 was awarded line items four (4) and five (5) on the Next Generation Large Airtanker Exclusive Use contract. This aircraft can operate from existing Large Airtanker Bases with little or no impact.

Key Points:

Facilities: The MD-87’s weight isapproximately 131,000 lbs. in contract configuration. For weight bearing purposes it has a dual wheel configuration.

  • Tanker Base and parking ramps must have a weight bearing capacity sufficient to support the MD-87. Local bases need to insure both the airport and agency engineering have data indicating ramp weight bearing capacity at the base. Letters documentingwaiversfor over-weightoperations and drawings of the ramp structure must be on file at the airtanker base.
  • Operations of the MD-87 may need to be more closely monitored with other aircraft types for nose tail spacing and wing tip clearance. Wing walkers may be important near obstacles as the wing tips are less visible from the flight deck. Break away thrust as they begin their taxi should be considered in all parking arrangements.
  • Simultaneous Loading and Fueling and/or Hot Retardant Loading (HRL) are in process for receiving approval, but have not yet been added to all base operations plan. These types of operations are acceptable only after approval of the corresponding Regional Aviation Officer/ State Aviation Manager and the local line officer. Once these approvals are in the base plan, the air tanker base manager (ATBM) is delegated the decision authority for these types of operations.
  • Loading and servicing the MD-87 can be accomplished on either side of the aircraft. A telescoping connector allows for extension of the port during loading.
  • A sample loading operation can be found here:

Response Timeand Supervision: Low level aerial supervision (a Leadplane) may be required for this aircraft as crews re-acquire qualification to operate without supervision.

  • The cruising speed of the MD-87 is around 320knots (TAS) on fire response and 420knots for reposition flights. As this is a greater cruise speed than most of our leadplanes - which cruise at 240 knots; users/ dispatchers will need to plan for LP/ASM arrival when responding onlonger dispatches. Responsesshorter than 150 nm will be similar to existing airtankers.
  • The MD-87 has been issued an interim approval from the IAB, but it is restricted to this year as the higher coverage levels (CL) of 6 and 8 were not met. The dispensing system is currently rated at 3700 gallons due to some trail off of the last 300 gallons. Itwill perform best in lighter fuel loading situation where CL 6 and 8 are not needed.

Terrain: Large Airtankers (LATs), like the MD-87can be used in challenging terrain, but care should be taken as the flight crews gain experience with this new equipment on actual fires.

  • The MD-87 is relatively agile for its size and requires some planning by the supervising aircraft to provide a stabilized path for delivery. Flight paths for pattern speeds of 130 to 140 knots on final should be planned.
  • The MD87 minimum drop height is the same as other airtankers; 150 feet above the top of the vegetation with a target height of 200 feet for most CLs.

Cost: The FS funds the availability for the MD-87at$26,162 per day for the 160 day Mandatory Availability Period (MAP). This rate is on par with other Next Gen LATs awarded under this contract.

  • The dry flight rate is $7,111.00/hour when the aircraft is fully loaded to the contract volume of 4000 gallons. The fuel burn is estimated at 1100 gph.

Contact: Scott Fisher, WO-FAM National Airtanker Program Manager at (208) 387-5968 or r questions regarding these aircraft.

Coverage Level 4 whole load Two Bulls