Finally, the Super Tankers are comming!!!!

Hi all,
Well, it appears that my "Super Tanker" wish has been granted. It was announced this morning that the Victorian Government now intends to import at least one VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker) for Australian trails in this forth-comming fire season, (see Herald Sun in Melbourne). The actual type has yet to be decided, (either the "Evergreen" 747-100 or the "Tanker 910" DC-10) but either way this is a huge step forward and, in my view, long overdue. As discussed previously on this forum, a VLAT is not a "cure-all" silver bullet but rather a significant element of a multi-faceted cohesive airborne fire attack system that also sees the coordinated use of other airborne platforms such as smaller fixed-wing and chopper assets. This combination and approach to airborne fire-fighting has proved to be most decisive and effective in several fire-affected areas around the world in the past 2 years. After months of bitching and moaning , Letters to Editors, and other "lobbying" activities, (not that I am saying that had anything to do with the Governments actions or decision on this issue in any way), I enthusiasticly applaud this logical and common sense decision. Despite the knockers,(and I recognise that there are many), I have always maintained that we do not know if these VLATs would be effective for Australian conditions if we simply haven't tried them. Now we shall see. Come this season's first bad fire day, I will feel most comfortable and re-assured knowing that a VLTA is on stand-by at Tulla or Avalon. And besides all that, what an interesting addition the the Model Expo Airliner category one of these would make!!
the other Ray