Air tanker – Definition & Meaning

An air tanker is an aircraft that is specifically designed to transport and deliver water, foam, or fire retardant to extinguish wildfires. These aircraft are also used for aerial refueling of other aircraft during military operations. Air tankers have become an essential tool in the fight against wildfires, especially in remote areas where ground-based firefighting equipment cannot reach.

Definitions

An air tanker is a fixed-wing aircraft that is designed to deliver water or fire retardant to combat wildfires. It is also known as a water bomber, fire bomber, or aerial firefighter. These aircraft are equipped with tanks that can hold thousands of gallons of water or fire retardant.

Origin

The use of air tankers for firefighting dates back to the 1930s when the first aircraft were used to drop water on forest fires. Over the years, the design of air tankers has evolved to make them more efficient and effective in combating wildfires. Today, air tankers are an integral part of the firefighting arsenal, especially in areas where ground-based firefighting equipment cannot reach.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an air tanker is “an airplane equipped to drop water or chemicals on fires.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an aircraft designed to transport and deliver water, foam, or fire retardant to extinguish wildfires.”

Associations

Air tankers are often associated with firefighting and emergency response. They are also used for aerial refueling of military aircraft during combat operations.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for air tanker include water bomber, fire bomber, aerial firefighter, and firefighting aircraft.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for air tanker, but it can be contrasted with ground-based firefighting equipment.

The same root words

The root words for air tanker are “air” and “tanker.” Air refers to the atmosphere or the space above the earth’s surface, while tanker refers to a large vehicle or vessel used to transport liquids or gases.

Example Sentences

1. The air tanker dropped thousands of gallons of water on the wildfire, helping to contain the blaze.
2. The military used air tankers to refuel fighter jets during the mission.
3. The fire department dispatched several air tankers to the scene of the wildfire.
4. The pilot of the air tanker carefully aimed the water drop to extinguish the flames.
5. The use of air tankers has revolutionized the way wildfires are fought and contained.