A supertanker is defined in the dictionary as a very large ship, usually between 100,000 and 400,000 displacement tons, used for transporting oil and other liquids in large quantities. But the supertanker Danny Clisham flies is a not a ship, but a Boeing 747 that has been specially outfitted to respond to aerial firefighting challenges.

In 2004, Danny returned to Evergreen International Aviation, Inc., where he was employed as an airline pilot in the 1970's, to fly the 747 Supertanker and participate in its development and deployment. Compared to the existing aerial firefighting fleet, the Evergreen Supertanker will offer at least seven times more drop capability over today’s largest airtanker. This large gallonage increase gives the Supertanker an opportunity to save a substantial amount of time and money fighting fire. The aircraft will be fully loaded and on alert status 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Supertanker will be able to cruise at Mach .86 or close to 600 mph, getting to a fire much sooner than existing aircraft and well within the aircraft’s design limitations.

The Evergreen Supertanker is not just limited to fighting fire. It will be a true utilitarian aircraft with the capability to configure to different applications on short notice. This multimission aircraft can support sensitive security and environmental missions. The aircraft’s exceptional drop capabilities, loiter time and size make it an ideal tool to perform challenging homeland security missions, able to neutralize chemical attacks on military installments or major population centers, help control large, environmentally disastrous oil spills, and assist in weather modification efforts.

Find out more about Evergreen Supertanker Services at the Evergreen International Aviation web site.