Next-Generation 767 Airtanker Targets Aging Firefighting Fleet
New VLAT program aims to replace retiring widebody aircraft and expand long-term wildfire suppression capacity
THERMAL, Calif. — A new Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) program centered on the 767 airframe is being developed to address a growing gap in high-capacity aerial firefighting as legacy widebody airtankers reach the end of their operational service life.
The program was announced this week by Coulson Aviation USA, which says the 767-based VLAT is intended to provide a sustainable, long-term replacement for aging platforms that have historically supported large-scale wildfire suppression operations.
The recent grounding and retirement of legacy VLAT aircraft—including the MD-11 and DC-10 fleets—has reduced the availability of high-volume aerial retardant delivery worldwide. Fire agencies now face increasing limitations when incidents require sustained, long-duration suppression over large geographic areas.
The 767 VLAT program is being developed to address those constraints with an aircraft designed for higher payload capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and long-term supportability compared to legacy widebody airtankers.
Rendering of the new aircraft. (Coulson Aviation)
Designed for Capacity, Efficiency, and Longevity
According to the company, the 767 VLAT will incorporate the largest version of its patented Retardant Aerial Delivery System (RADS), delivering a tank capacity expected to exceed that of any VLAT currently in operation. The aircraft will also retain the ability to be configured for passenger transport, with seating for more than 160 people when not operating in a firefighting role.
The design follows a multi-mission, all-risk approach consistent with modern aerial firefighting requirements. In addition to increased retardant payload, the aircraft is expected to offer lower fuel burn, modern avionics, and improved long-term maintainability compared to older widebody platforms that rely on diminishing parts availability.
Engineering work, structural analysis, and systems integration planning for the 767 VLAT program are already underway, according to the announcement.
Addressing a Shrinking VLAT Landscape
The transition away from older widebody aircraft has created structural challenges for firefighting agencies that rely on very large airtankers during complex, high-intensity wildfire events. While large airtankers remain effective for many missions, VLATs provide a unique capability for sustained, high-volume retardant delivery when ground access is limited or fire behavior escalates rapidly.
The new 767 VLAT is intended to complement existing large airtanker fleets rather than replace them, providing agencies with an additional strategic tool when incidents demand extended operational endurance and large payloads.
The aircraft is expected to augment existing large airtanker platforms such as the C-130H Hercules and the 737 Fireliner, which currently represent some of the highest-capacity 4,000-gallon large airtanker solutions in service.
Long-Term Focus on Global Firefighting Needs
Developers of the program say the 767 platform was selected for its global support network, availability of parts, and modern systems architecture—factors viewed as critical for ensuring operational viability over decades rather than years.
Industry observers note that as wildfire seasons lengthen and fire behavior becomes more extreme, the need for reliable, supportable aerial firefighting infrastructure continues to grow across North America and internationally.
The 767 VLAT program represents the next step in the evolution of heavy aerial firefighting, aimed at maintaining large-scale suppression capability as legacy aircraft retire from service.
