Missions

For the past 15 years, we have come across many situations and overcame many challenges.

Since October 2022, AMS Aero has been supporting the Australian company

McDermott Aviation in an ambitious project: giving the legendary C-160 Transall a new life as a firefighting aircraft.

Originally operated by the French and German Air Forces, the C-160 Transall is a robust and proven aircraft with unique performances. Today, it is being given a new mission: helping fight the growing threat of wildfires.

Climate change is creating new challenges around the world. Wildfires are becoming more intense, starting earlier in the season and affecting regions that were previously spared. No region can consider itself completely protected anymore, and new, efficient solutions are needed to respond to this growing threat.

McDermott Aviation is a visionary and highly experienced player in the global aerial firefighting industry. Based in Australia and operating internationally, the company has built unique expertise in challenging aerial operations and firefighting missions. Its ability to combine operational experience with innovative solutions has made the C-160 Transall firefighting project possible.

AMS Aero is proud to be part of this pioneering project and to contribute to McDermott Aviation’s vision of adding the C-160 Transall to its firefighting fleet.

AMS Aero was appointed to coordinate with the German authorities for the release of three C-160 Transall aircraft and to organize their ferry flights from Germany to Australia. Once in Australia, the aircraft were modified and equipped with a unique fire suppression tank system designed by John McDermott and Helitak to provide outstanding firefighting capabilities and efficiency.

AM Solutions continues to support McDermott Aviation throughout several key phases of the project, including crew recruitment, certification and regulatory processes, spare parts sourcing and operational support.

Against all odds, this ambitious project is giving the C-160 Transall a second life and a new mission: protecting people, communities and the environment from the increasing threat of wildfires.

Ferrying the 3 Transall C-160 from Germany to Australia with the finest crew was an exciting challenge.

Last endeavor to date: Leading negotiations for purchase, renovating and ferrying a C208B aircraft for a partner airline in Africa.