Airplanes serve more than just transportation purposes, especially when it comes to specialized aircraft like the DC-10 Air Tanker.
These aerial giants are the unsung heroes of disaster relief efforts.
This incredible video vividly shows how they are real lifesavers.
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Uploaded on Instagram by eviatorr, the footage captures the DC-10 Air Tanker swooping over a blazing forest, effectively combating the inferno below.
The sight is utterly amazing.
As the aircraft approaches the scene at an incredible speed, it releases a crimson cloud of smoke, known as Phos-Chek, onto the fiery landscape.
This fire retardant plays a crucial role in extinguishing large wildfires, particularly in the United States where it is heavily utilized.
While the red smoke released by DC-10 Air Tanker is visually stunning, it also serves as a vital tool in the battle against nature’s fury.
But what exactly is Phos-Chek, and how does it work?
Phos-Chek is a special liquid – though sometimes used in the form of powder – that helps stop wildfires by covering plants and stopping the fire from spreading.
Phos-Chek is made of various chemicals, including ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate, and creates a barrier between the plants and the oxygen, giving firefighters valuable time to gain control over the blaze.
Now, let’s talk a bit about the real hero of the video, the DC-10 Air Tanker.
Originally developed by McDonnell Douglas, the DC-10 is a wide-body airliner with an impressive engine that has been repurposed for firefighting operations.
The airplane is equipped with external tanks capable of carrying thousands of gallons of fire retardant.
The plane strikes with absolute precision to calm the wildfire.
The DC-10 Air Tanker was a need of an hour made to suppress the growing cases of forest fire.
And given the robust structure of the airplane, it is perfect to handle these challenges with ease.
Only five of the DC-10 Air Tankers were made, by converting the former passenger flights into lifesaving aircraft.
Since it first took to the skies in 2006, the DC-10 Air Tanker has put out dozens of forest fires, proving it’s perfect at its job.
