Supertanker
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A 747 'Supertanker' rains retardant on California's wildfires
A converted Boeing 747-400 used to fight fires is a great example of old technology reborn with a new purpose. The aircraft, the largest passenger model in Boeing's jumbo lineup, first entered service with Japan Airlines in 1991. After being converted to a water tanker, it can now dump up to 19,200 gallons of water or retardant in just six seconds as low as 200 feet above ground level (AGL), then climb away at 6,000 feet per minute. Those stellar capabilities have made it a big help in fighting California's insanely aggressive wine country fires, which have so far killed 40 people and destroyed over 200 homes.
