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][6]

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.[1][7][8]

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][9]

In 2022, it was revealed that the 1002 model was undergoing a redesign, and initial prototypes were released.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b "AT-1002A" (PDF), AgAir Update, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 10–11, February 2010, retrieved 25 January 2022
  2. ^ "Next in the Family: First of its Kind – AT-1002" (PDF). FlightSafety.org. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  3. ^ "Standing their ground against wildfires". Low Velder. 18 September 2013. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  4. ^ "News from the Aerial Firefighting conference, Part One". Fire Aviation. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  5. ^ "Ag Aviation's 100th Anniversary Event". Aviation Week. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  6. ^ "The PT6A Engine Powers Firefighting Heroes". Turbines, Inc. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  7. ^ "The History of And Types of Air Tractor Aircraft Powered by P&W Engines". Covington Aircraft. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  8. ^ a b "Position Report: Vintage planes dousing flames". Wings Magazine. 24 November 2009. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  9. ^ "FAA certifies MVP-50T Engine Analyzer for Air Tractors". General Aviation News. 23 December 2013. Retrieved 2022-07-27.
  10. ^ "Texas AAA Tours Air Tractor and Transland Facilities". AG Aviator's Magazine. 3 April 2022. Retrieved 2022-07-27.