Water bomber
7,500 L of water or retardant, released in continuous flow to lay a retardant line, or in a burst effect for a full drop in under 1.2 seconds.
The KEPPLAIR 72.The Forest Keeper.
Technology serving territories and their populations
An ATR 72 converted into a multirole water bomber: rapid drop, cargo and medical evacuation.
Operational versatility
One platform, three missions
Built on the proven ATR 72 airframe, the KEPPLAIR 72 combines a next-generation drop system, the Kepplair Evolution Delivery System.
An ATR 72 converted into a multirole, multi-mission water bomber: dedicated wildfire suppression with rapid drops, cargo and freight transport, relief troop transport and medical evacuation, all on a single platform.
The KEPPLAIR 72's modularity keeps it in service year-round, well beyond fire season alone.
By the numbers
7,500 L
Water or retardant carried
< 1.2 s
For a full drop
2 to 6
Patients evacuated per flight
8.5 t
Freight in cargo configuration
Four configurations, one aircraft
The KEPPLAIR 72's modularity keeps it in service year-round, well beyond fire season alone.
Cargo
Up to 8.5 tonnes of freight across 75 m³ of usable volume, for logistics or humanitarian support missions outside fire season.
Medical evacuation
Medical configuration for the safe transport of 2 to 6 casualties, with medical staff and equipment on board.
Rescue team transport
Rapid transport of rescue teams along with their equipment.
KEDS: drops controlled to the tenth of a second
The technological heart of the Kepplair 72 lies in its innovative drop system, the KEDS (Kepplair Evolution Delivery System).
Integrated into the belly fairing
Modifications concentrated in the belly fairing (the aircraft's underside), preserving the integrity of the cargo hold.
Ground precision
Advanced engineering developed with IMFT (Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse) to guarantee a precise, consistent ground footprint.
Patented performance
A technology patent ensures unmatched drop performance.
Developed with IMFT (Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse) and Trotter Controls.
Programme timeline
2021
First ATR discussions
Initial talks about converting an ATR 72 airframe, the starting point of the KEPPLAIR 72 project.
2022
Feasibility study
Technical and regulatory validation of the conversion concept.
2024
Fundraising
Funding for the first development and certification phases.
2025 – 2026
Development & testing
Detailed design, systems integration and flight testing.
2027
Entry into service
Delivery of the first aircraft to partner operators.
2021
First ATR discussions
Initial talks about converting an ATR 72 airframe, the starting point of the KEPPLAIR 72 project.
2022
Feasibility study
Technical and regulatory validation of the conversion concept.
2024
Fundraising
Funding for the first development and certification phases.
2025 – 2026
Development & testing
Detailed design, systems integration and flight testing.
2027
Entry into service
Delivery of the first aircraft to partner operators.