• Aircraft:

  British Aerospace BAe 146-200A

• Reg: N146FF photos
• Serial #:

  E2049

• Airline: Neptune Aviation Services
• Photo Date: Sep 09, 2012
• Uploaded: Oct 22, 2012
• Reno Stead - KRTS, USA - Nevada

Tanker 40, the first of what will be many BAe-146's taxiing in to the Reno-Stead tanker base for the first time while committed to the "Como" fire south and east of Dayton, NV. Before being converted into an air tanker, this BAe-146 was with Air Wisconsin as N608AW. The BAe-146s seem to be a good fit to replace the aging P-2 Neptune in the fire bomber role. Neptune itself plans to have up to 11 of the quad-jets to replace its P-2s in the next few years. Other companies such as Air Spray Aviation Services, Conair, and Minden Aviation (based an hour south of Reno) are in the process of converting their own BAe-146s as well. I also want to thank the crew for letting me take a peek inside despite the limited time while the first load of retardant was being loaded.

Photographer

Aircraft

Tanker 40 making a drop behind some homes in the Rancho Haven area while fighting the aptly named "Red Rock" fire

Ryan Coulter N146FF

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Tanker 40 landing for the first time at Reno-Stead back in 2012

Ryan Coulter N146FF

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One of the newest airtankers parked for the night at the USFS ramp, truly a pleasure to see

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