5 Reasons Honeywell's HTS900 Engine Helps Firefighters Save Lives

Few missions tax the capabilities of helicopters as much as aerial firefighting. To complete their missions and save lives, firefighters need high-performance platforms. Through our partnership with Eagle Copters, the Honeywell HTS900 turboshaft engine is a part of the 407HP, a retrofit of the Bell 407 that delivers that high performance.

Here are five ways the HTS900 gives firefighters the capabilities they need for mission success:

High-Altitude Performance. The HTS900 allows 407HP helicopters to fly high and maintain power at higher altitudes. Those are valuable capabilities, particularly for firefighters operating in mountainous terrain such as in the American West. The engine provides an improved hover ceiling over the standard 407, with a 19% increase in gross weight capability at 10,000 feet, and a 40% increase in payload at 12,000 feet.

Increased Power. Getting crews and water to fires quickly can limit their spread and make for more easily controlled burns. The 407HP retrofit increases power output by 22% and payload by 500 pounds. That means pilots can carry more firefighting crew or larger buckets. Larger buckets can add up to fewer round trips, which is an important factor if the water source and fire are far apart.

Digital Engine Control System. The HTS900 enables crews to schedule maintenance and simplify troubleshooting, leading to more time in the sky and less in the shop. During peak wildfire seasons, there is no time for maintenance, making this feature particularly important. The engine does this through a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system, which also offers a manual backup provision to ease pilot workload.

High-Temperature Operations. The HTS900 is designed to operate in extremely high temperatures. High temperatures aren’t always directly related to fire, either. Wildfire season traditionally begins in the high heat of midsummer. The HTS900 enables helicopters to operate during this crucial time at full capacity.

Lower Fuel Consumption and Cost. Fewer refueling trips means more time spent on target delivering water, retardant or supplies to fire-suppression efforts. As part of the 407HP retrofit, the HTS900 can reduce fuel consumption by 17%. This also reduces costs, so firefighting organizations can allocate valuable budget elsewhere to further increase their efficacy and reduce damage done to lives and property.