Air Tractor AT-1002 explained

The Air Tractor AT-1002 is a single-seat agricultural and firefighting aircraft made by American aircraft manufacturer Air Tractor. The aircraft is the company's largest, with a takeoff and landing weight of 20,000 pounds and useful load of 10,800 pounds. The aircraft can carry over 1,060 gallons of fire retardant or 335 gallons of agricultural spray.^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

The aircraft is an advanced version of the Air Tractor AT-802 and is designed to be able to carry a higher payload than its predecessors. Its main role is to replace aging or retired aircraft.^{[6] [7]}

The aircraft first flew in 2009. Deliveries of the type began in 2010. In 2013, it served as a testbed for the Electronics International MVP-50T Engine Analyzer.^[8]

In 2022, it was revealed that the 1002 model was undergoing a redesign, and initial prototypes were released.^[9]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Next in the Family: First of its Kind – AT-1002. 2022-07-27 . FlightSafety.org.
2. Web site: Standing their ground against wildfires. 2022-07-27 . Low Velder. 18 September 2013 .
3. Web site: News from the Aerial Firefighting conference, Part One. 2022-07-27 . Fire Aviation.
4. Web site: Ag Aviation's 100th Anniversary Event. 2022-07-27 . Aviation Week.
5. Web site: The PT6A Engine Powers Firefighting Heroes. 2022-07-27 . Turbines, Inc..
6. Web site: The History of And Types of Air Tractor Aircraft Powered by P&W Engines. 2022-07-27 . Covington Aircraft.
7. Web site: Position Report: Vintage planes dousing flames. 2022-07-27 . Wings Magazine. 24 November 2009 .
8. Web site: FAA certifies MVP-50T Engine Analyzer for Air Tractors. 2022-07-27 . General Aviation News. 23 December 2013 .
9. Web site: Texas AAA Tours Air Tractor and Transland Facilities. 2022-07-27 . AG Aviator's Magazine. 3 April 2022 .