From the air, he orchestrates the Canadair, the Dash aircraft and the helicopters, without carrying a single drop of water. Based in Nîmes-Garons, the three Beechcraft 200 Super King Air Civil Protection aircraft play a key role in fighting forest fires in France. These aircraft, with the call signs Bengale, Bengale Investigation and Icare, act as the eyes and ears of the aerial response, coordinating operations and ensuring their safety.
A strategic role in the coordination of air assets
Unlike water-bombing aircraft, the Beechcraft King Air B200 does not drop water. Its primary role is to monitor, provide information and coordinate. During reconnaissance missions, it assesses the situation, identifies active fire outbreaks and determines the ground and air resources required. In a coordination role, it acts as a ‘mobile air traffic control tower’, facilitating communications between crews and assigning drop targets.
The Bengal investigation: essential for air-ground coordination
During a large-scale fire, two aircraft may operate simultaneously: one in the ‘Investigation’ role, the other in the ‘Coordination’ role. The Coordination aircraft, which takes priority for aircraft safety, positions itself in a holding pattern at an altitude of approximately 1,500 metres, whilst the Investigation aircraft flies between 1,680 and 1,830 metres. This arrangement enables optimal resource management and a more effective response to complex fires. It also features three mobile stations for receiving images transmitted by the on-board sensors, which can be relayed to CODIS or the rescue operations commander to improve the analysis of the tactical situation on the ground.
High-tech equipment for enhanced surveillance
Two of the three Beechcraft 200s are fitted with an optronic ball Star SAFIRE 380-HDc, a rotating turret incorporating high-definition and infrared cameras. This tool enables the location of active fire sources through smoke, the analysis of heat spread, and the transmission of georeferenced images in real time. This represents a major step forward in improving the effectiveness of operations and expanding aerial surveillance capabilities. Two Beechcraft aircraft are equipped with a FLIR 14 system, enabling them to carry out aerial investigation and reconnaissance missions. It also has three mobile stations for receiving images transmitted by the on-board sensors, which can be made available to CODIS or the rescue operations commander to improve the analysis of the tactical situation on the ground. When not deployed on investigation or coordination missions, the Beech 200s can carry out logistical operations, such as crew rotations or the transport of spare parts and equipment, as well as liaison missions on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories.
A business jet turned forest fire watchdog
Originally designed as a business jet in the 1970s, the King Air B200 was incorporated into the French Civil Protection service in the early 1990s. Its role in combating forest fires gradually became more prominent, to the point where it became a key component of the French European Module, extending across the Mediterranean basin and as far as Sweden.
On board were a pilot and a Senior Investigation and Response Officer (OSII), a qualified firefighter, work in close collaboration. Their task is to draw up an accurate assessment of the situation and direct air and ground resources to ensure effective firefighting.
To report a fire or keep track of the progress of ongoing fires, please visit our alert map or use our report form.