Recoil Aerospace Inc. has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for its 790-gallon Tsunami Internal Aerial Fire Suppression System (AFSS) tank designed for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
According to Recoil, the certification – Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR12058AK – covers all UH-60 and S-70 variants and marks the only FAA-approved carbon fiber internal tank of its kind for these aircraft.
The company said this adds to its previously certified Tsunami External 1,000-gallon AFSS, broadening the suite of approved Recoil fire suppression systems available for Black Hawk and Super Puma operators.
The internal tank is manufactured entirely in the U.S. and can be installed rapidly by firefighting agencies preparing for the current wildfire season.
Recoil said the tanks are available for immediate use and are aimed at delivering high-volume water drops with short turnaround times in wildland-urban interface areas.
The approved system includes a 790-gallon internal tank with multiple operational enhancements designed for wildfire response.
According to Recoil, features include in-cabin mounting, approved airspeeds of up to 140 knots, and rapid five to seven second water release capability.
It also supports flexible water intake via left or right snorkel placement for hover-filling or ground-filling through hydrants or water tenders.
Recoil explained that the internal mounting allows continued use of the cargo hook, preserving multi-mission flexibility for operators.
The tank system was developed in partnership with Aerospace Composites Solutions (ACS), a Kentucky-based manufacturing affiliate with AS9100 certification.
The company said the system’s configuration was designed to meet operational needs while supporting faster response and repeat water delivery.
Recoil President and pilot Joseph Rice said: “With these multiple STC’s approved, we are equipping fire aviation operators here in the U.S. and globally at the start of an already active fire season.”
Rice added: “Our rapid installation combined with the industry’s fastest approved airspeed allows high volume water delivery with rapid turnarounds.
“This design brings high-volume water drops with ‘Punching Power’ to the fire line.
“Fire helicopter operators can fly the most effective aerial suppression operations possible – they can be Fire Ready with Recoil”
Montana-based Central Copters is the first U.S. operator to deploy the internal tank system, according to Recoil.
Chief Pilot Will Jacobs said: “This is a game changer for us.”
Jacobs added: “The installed Recoil Tsunami Internal AFSS Tank still allows us access to the UH-60 cargo hook for additional mission assignments without having to remove it due to its light weight.”
Recoil noted that its systems are supported by a domestic customer support team based in Kentucky.
The company explained that its tank approvals are not limited to U.S. markets.
Recoil’s previously certified T1000E External AFSS system is already approved for operation in Canada, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, Morocco and Australia.
Recoil stated that all tanks are manufactured in the United States in partnership with Aerospace Composites Solutions.
The company added that it also runs the Recoil Aerial Firefighting Academy out of Bowling Green, Kentucky to support operational integration and training.
With the internal AFSS system now certified for use on UH-60 platforms, Recoil believes this will expand options for U.S. firefighting programs in the 2025 wildfire season.
According to Recoil, the tank allows fast installation without major aircraft modifications, which could be a logistical benefit for state and federal agencies.
The FAA approval makes the tank eligible for inclusion in a range of government and private fire response operations using the Black Hawk platform.
The company emphasized the system’s compatibility with high-speed firefighting flight profiles and the option for either snorkel or hydrant-based water loading.
This adds to the options for departments balancing fixed-wing and rotary aircraft fire suppression strategies during peak wildfire periods.
Recoil Aerospace Inc. has received FAA approval for its internal Tsunami AFSS tank.
The certification is listed under STC SR12058AK.
It applies to all UH-60 and S-70 Black Hawk helicopter models.
The tank holds 790 gallons of water.
It is mounted in-cabin and allows rapid water deployment.
The system is made from carbon fiber and manufactured in Kentucky.
The tank permits left or right snorkel fitting or ground-based water filling.
It supports airspeeds of up to 140 knots.
Recoil said tanks are available for immediate operational use.
Central Copters is the launch customer in the U.S.
Recoil also offers training from its Kentucky-based academy.
The company manufactures all tanks in partnership with ACS.
Its external tank system is already approved in multiple countries.
Recoil is the only U.S. company offering this type of tank.
The tank allows continued access to the cargo hook.
Recoil expects the tank to support faster wildfire response.
