Global SuperTanker Services, LLC President and CEO Jim Wheeler made the following statement as the Global SuperTanker departed from Chile this morning:
“It has been an honor to work on behalf of and with the people of Chile as they fought against these horrific fires. Now, with the fires largely under control, we are returning to the United States today.”
“We extend a heartfelt thanks and our admiration to Lucy Ana Walton de Avilés and Fundaciόn Viento Sur, the Luksic Family, and everyone who opened their arms to us during our mission in Chile. While we hope our services will not be needed again in Chile, we stand ready to be called into action should they be required in the future.”
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The Global SuperTanker has been in Chile since January 25th, working with national and local authorities, as well as volunteers, to combat the worst forest fires the country has ever experienced. While in Chile, it set the world record for liquid dropped in a single day by a land-based aerial tanker at 134,400 gallons (508,000 liters), and has been credited with saving lives and property during the two-plus weeks it has been in service. Its initial mission was funded through Fundaciόn Viento Sur of the Walton Family Foundation, and extended by a contribution from the Chile-based Luksic family.
Global SuperTanker’s B747-400, The Spirit of John Muir, incorporates a patented system capable of delivering single or multiple payload drops aggregating over 19,000 gallons (72,000 liters) of water, fire retardant, or suppressant. These fluids can be released at variable rates from the plane’s pressurized tanks, producing a tailored response to the firefighting need. This unique ability allows it to make as many as six drops in a single flight, while other aircraft such as the C-130 or BAe-146 must repeatedly land and refuel to achieve the same results. The Spirit of John Muir is the world’s youngest, most modern, and fastest Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT). With a flying speed of 600 miles per hour, the Spirit of John Muir can reach any part of the globe in 20 hours or less.
Global SuperTanker Services, LLC is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado and one of the portfolio companies of Connecticut-based Alterna Capital Partners.
