Multi-Mission

Fire and disease are enemies too

Multi-Mission means something different to a developing nation. Military aircraft need to fill basic "rule of law" missions, like border enforcement, and coastal patrol; while also being able to support basic logistics and humanitarian missions.

In the case of the Air Tractor it’s an aircraft with an extremely low cost of operation that can haul an incredible amount of weight. It is just as well suited hauling fresh water to disaster victims, or fuel to remote camps, as it is hauling an impressive load of sensors and weapons.

The Air Tractor 802 is the most successful single engine initial attack firefighting aircraft in service today, and is in use in Northern Canada delivering fuel to remote camps.

As the world leader in Agricultural aircraft the Air Tractor is equally well suited to fighting smuggling and insurgents as it is for fighting mosquitos that spread malaria and locusts that devastate agricultural production. The ability to help a developing nation improve crop yield and feed its people, or fight disease spreading insects could be just as stabilizing as the deterrent provided by the armed surveillance configuration.