posted May 22, 2025

KERN COUNTY, CA – May 22, 2025 – United Rotorcraft is excited to announce a contract with the Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) for two FIREHAWK helicopters. This strategic investment will significantly enhance the KCFD aerial firefighting capabilities, providing advanced resources to combat wildfires and support emergency response operations.

Acquired through the U.S. Army surplus program, these two UH-60L Blackhawk helicopters are being transformed into highly capable firefighting aircraft to meet the rigorous demands of aerial firefighting. These enhancements include United Rotorcraft’s exclusive high landing gear, Dart Aerospace’s 1,000-gallon belly tank for precise water drops, and an advanced avionics suite to improve situational awareness.

In a move to ensure optimal operation and maintenance of the new fleet, United Rotorcraft has partnered with Timberline Helicopters, a leading provider of utility and firefighting aviation services. Timberline will complete all initial inspections, PMI’s and de-modification, leveraging their extensive expertise in MRO and with the Black Hawk platform.

“We are honored Kern County has chosen United Rotorcraft and the FIREHAWK helicopter to further enhance its emergency response operations,” said Larry Alexandre, President of United Rotorcraft. “With the increasing threat of wildfires in California, this partnership demonstrates a commitment to equipping first responders with the best technology available to protect lives, property, and natural resources.”

Kern County officials have expressed their enthusiasm for the new firefighting assets, emphasizing their role in improving rapid response times and enhancing aerial suppression efforts.

“The acquisition of these aircraft marks a significant step forward in our emergency response strategy.” Said Aaron Duncan, Kern County Fire Department Chief. “These new helicopters aren’t just an upgrade— they’re a game-changer. With cutting-edge technology, greater speed, and higher payload capacity, they will drastically improve our ability to respond to critical emergencies across Kern County. Most importantly, they increase our aerial firefighting power by an astounding 400% per helicopter —going from 250-gallon water drops to 1,000 gallons. That kind of capacity means faster containment, better protection for our crews, and a stronger defense for the people of Kern County. Working with United Rotorcraft and Timberline, ensures that our crews have the most effective tools available to battle wildfires and conduct rescue missions.”

United Rotorcraft remains committed to advancing aerial firefighting solutions through innovative technology and strategic partnerships. The delivery of these helicopters represents a milestone in improving wildfire response capabilities in California and beyond.