At a time when the demand for more aerial firefighting means on the fire fronts is massive, Russia decided to send to Greece two Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft and two Mil Mi-8 helicopters.
The giant Ilyushin Il-76 type aircraft, one of the largest in the world, are called “flying tankers”, as they carry up to 40 tons of water, while they have been used in Greece in the past.
It is noted that the Greek government had made a request to Moscow for the concession of a second Beriev-200 amphibious firefighting aircraft.
“By decision of President Vladimir Putin, the request for an emergency shipment of additional aerial firefighting equipment from Russia, carried by Prime Minister K. Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister N. Dendias to their Russian counterparts, was accepted. The response will be immediate, “reads a statement from the Russian embassy in Greece.
✈️ Με απόφαση του Προέδρου Βλαντίμιρ Πούτιν, το αίτημα για έκτακτη αποστολή επιπλέον εναέριων μέσων πυρόσβεσης από τη Ρωσία, που μετέφεραν πριν από λίγο ο Πρωθυπουργός Κ.Μητσοτακης και ο ΥΠΕΞ Ν.Δενδιας στους Ρώσους ομολόγους τους, έγινε δεκτό.
Η ανταπόκριση θα είναι άμεση. pic.twitter.com/sMCMH46BAr— Rus Embassy, Greece (@RFEmbassyGr) August 9, 2021
The Ilyushin Il-76
Robinson describes the Ilyushin plane – a 180-ton airborne beast that carries three times as much water as the largest American tankers – as the largest firefighting aircraft in the world.
However, these aircraft have some limitations. According to US Forest Service firefighter Wayne Bushnell, it is a jet that flies at very high speeds and at high altitudes, while the reservoir system that allows it to carry water and throws water on fires.
It also requires a long runway and extra ground crew, here it does not have the precision of a helicopter or a smaller plane. It is also designed to pour foamy liquid.
For his part, the forester and expert in forest fires, Gabriel Xanthopoulos, had previously stated that this aircraft “rarely proved useful” in the conditions prevailing in our country.
As he explained, the aircraft can not take water from the sea or lake, can not drop retardant liquid and can not land at many airports.
Also, when it discharges its load from a significant height – as it can not maneuver – and under strong winds, the water may scatter and not go to the target.
Latest News
Djokovic Out of Australia Open Final after Injury
For Djokovic, the disappointment adds to the heartbreak of his semi-final loss last year to Sinner and delays his quest for a record 25th major title
Pulse Poll: ND Tops PASOK by 14% Points; Some Concern Over Trump
An extrapolation of the results gives the center-right party 30% of respondents’ preference, compared to 16% for socialist/social democrat PASOK
Greek Businesses Lag in AI Integration Rates in EU
Despite this poor performance, Greece has seen a significant annual growth of 5.83% in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, nearly tripling its percentage within a year
UBS: Greek Gowth at 2.8% in 2025
The Greek economy is projected to expand at 2.8% in 2025, according to UBS. The Swiss-based international investment bank bases its assessment partly on the utilization of RRF funds.
Greek Banks Introduce Affordable Transaction Fees: Key Points for Customers
Under the new tariffs, no fees apply to payments of obligations to the government, social security organizations, utilities, and insurance companies.
Eurobank: Prem Watsa ‘s Fairfax Reducing Stake to 33%
Bank sources: Placement of 2.2% of Greek lender's shares by Watsa aims to meet regulatory condition of minority ownership below 33%
Rare Earth Mineral Exploration in Greece on the Rise
The Ministry of Environment and Energy has pledged to impose strict obligations on the contractor to ensure environmental protection
New 11-Month High for Greece with 35M Tourist Arrivals in 2024
Inbound travelers to Greece boosted tourism-related revenues to 21.27 billion euros in the Jan.-Nov. 2024 period.
ECOFIN Approves Revisions to Greece’s Recovery Plan
Greek Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said the decision will kickstart recovery fund absorption set to reach 64%.
Trends Shifting Among Foreigners Buying Holiday Houses in Greece
The primary reason for the shift in the trend is the saturation of popular destinations and the potential buyers’ desire for more privacy