An Australian Boeing Chinook CH-47D heavy helicopter carried out the first nighttime water drops on a forest fire in France overnight in Landes. The operation took place during the night of August 17 to 18 to target remaining hot spots on a fire in Luglon.
The red and white water-dropping helicopter took off from Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan at around 9:40 pm and operated for nearly three hours over the site. It refilled its water tank from nearby Lake Commanday throughout the mission.
Aerial coordination over Luglon
An Australian Bell 412 helicopter supported the Chinook throughout the operation by flying 150 metres above it to spot and designate precise drop zones. The Bell 412 is a twin-engine utility aircraft manufactured by Bell Textron and widely used for aerial surveillance, search and rescue, and command operations.
The Luglon fire was declared contained earlier in the day on August 17 after burning approximately 1,700 hectares of forest. The night mission served as a technical test for the French civil security agency, the Sécurité civile. François Gros, head of the interministerial staff for the South-West defense and security zone, stated a few days ago that if the test was conclusive and validated by national authorities, officials would be able to deploy the Chinook at night.
Cockpit restrictions for French aircraft
French firefighting aircraft, including Canadair CL-415 and Dash 8 water bombers operated by the Sécurité civile, are not permitted under national safety regulations to conduct night drops. Their cockpits are not adapted for piloting with night-vision goggles, whereas the Australian Chinook is equipped for night flights and operated by experienced crews.
The Chinook and its crew were loaned to France by Australia until the end of September. The aircraft is operated by the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, the volunteer firefighting organization providing emergency management and bushfire response across eastern Australia.
High-capacity drops and fleet integration
The heavy helicopter is equipped with a large ventral water tank holding more than 11,300 litres. Since deploying to France on August 14, the aircraft delivered approximately 280,000 litres of water over the Luglon fire in roughly 20 rotations.
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service confirmed on social media on August 18 that its contingent operating out of Mont-de-Marsan had dropped more than 280,000 litres of water across southern France since deployment began. Approval of its night intervention capability will provide major support for ground firefighters.
French authorities are also assessing other technological options for aerial firefighting, including water-dropping drones capable of refilling over lakes, dropping 1,500 litres of water, and operating at night.
Other military assets under review include a single A400M transport aircraft modified for water dropping, which refuels near Marseille.
These tests form part of the broader fleet strategy of the Sécurité civile, which manages fixed-wing water bombers including Canadair, Dash 8, and Air Tractor aircraft.
Regional housing in Landes
In the Landes department, local housing listings include residential rentals and property purchases priced at €1,198.
Additional property listings in the area feature housing units advertised at €660 per month.
Lower-cost rental options in Landes are listed at €390 per month.
