Press release
European amphibious
firefighting aircraft Seagle on track for 2030
Brussels, Belgium, 2 March 2023 – To answer the urgent European and
worldwide need for an amphibious firefighting aircraft, Roadfour has confirmed
the ambition to deliver its Seagle by 2030. The company officially unveiled its
hull design. With wildfires
increasingly threatening natural habitats, wildlife and homes, and contributing
significantly to carbon emissions and air pollution, the demand for
game-changing capacity is high.
According to the
European Forest Fire report 2021, three of the worst fire seasons on record
took place in the last six years. Over 0.5 million ha of land burned, more than
twice the size of Luxembourg. In 2022, Europe surpassed the 2006 regrettable
record with the highest number of fires in addition to the most severe droughts
in Europe in 500 years. The fires have caused destruction to homes, wildlife,
natural habitats, and endangered human life.
In addition to visible
damage, wildfires have emitted tremendous amounts of carbon gases. Between June
1st and August 31st in 2022, they are estimated at 6.4
megatons, the highest level in Europe since 2007 (Copernicus Atmosphere
Monitoring Service). For the same year the total global emissions are estimated
at approximately 1.5 gigatons. Current firefighting capabilities are not
sufficient to counter the consequences of wildfires that are estimated to
increase with 30% by 2030.
In response, Roadfour
is developing a new amphibious aircraft specifically designed for firefighting
to meet the needs of countries in Europe and abroad. The Seagle offers a
faster, and more precise firefighting solution compared to current aerial
firefighting aircraft. Its differentiating features include more powerful
engines for higher-speed, longer endurance, a larger water capacity, mission
management system, a 360° cockpit for better visibility and state-of-the-art
avionics. It will also be corrosion resistant and will integrate structural
system health monitoring to lower maintenance costs and guarantee fleet
readiness.
To meet market expectations,
Roadfour recently opted for the design track based on an amphibious hull. “The amphibious hull architecture allows to
provide a new, robust and large capacity aerial firefighter in accordance with
the projections of our future customers,” says Gaëtan Du Four, CEO
of Roadfour. “We present this
design today and want to thank pilots, operators and our engineers for
contributing to this major milestone in our development process.”
The global market size
for amphibious aircraft with large scooping capacity will further grow the
coming years. It is now estimated at 300 aircraft between 2030-2050 including
fleet replacements, fleet extensions and new entrants to the market. Since wildfires
are advancing northwards, more countries will consider operating aerial
firefighting capabilities.
About
Roadfour
Roadfour is a new
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) based in Brussels. It has been developing
the program of a new amphibious aerial firefighter since 2018, which led to the
presentation of their Seagle in 2022. The Seagle is the result of a
collaboration between experienced aircraft engineers, firefighting experts,
pilots and aviation specialists from different countries worldwide. All wanting
to contribute to the protection of our planet, by fighting wildfires faster and
with more precision. The aircraft will be the first water bomber in its segment
to be designed and built on European soil.
Contact
Bjorn Boon
+32 479 46 56 31