Columbia Helicopters last month signed a contract partnering with CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. to provide two (2) Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinooks for firefighting and external load operations in Turkey. The contract encompasses the fire season and marks Columbia’s first operation in the country.

CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. is the original awardee of the contract with the Turkey General Directorate of Forestry and is subcontracting with Columbia to provide the aircraft, crew, and maintenance support.

“This contract marks a significant milestone for Columbia Helicopters – our first time operating in Turkey and hopefully the beginning of a long-term partnership,” says Olivia Wolfgram-Rubio, business development and marketing manager at Columbia Helicopters. “The 234 Multi-Mission Chinook delivers significant support in protecting life and property. We know it will be extremely successful in helping battle wildfires and protecting Turkish citizens now, and we hope, well into the future.”

While the 234 can operate with Columbia’s 2,800-gallon Fire Attack System (FAS) internal tank, the aircraft on this contract utilize the 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket for precision water and retardant drops.

Columbia’s 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopter is fully certified to civilian transport category standards, allowing it to transport internal cargo and passengers. Originally certified by Boeing, the aircraft certificate is now owned and supported by Columbia. Today, as the aircraft’s OEM, Columbia provides all sustainment, training, and MRO capabilities to support the aircraft around the globe.