R-Mach Aviation is a Rockhampton based, family owned company offering a professional and fully self-supported aerial agricultural service including the capacity to assist fire-fighters with fire-spotting and bombing platforms when called upon.
Helping to provide a fire-fighting, fire-spotting and search & rescue (SAR) capacity is Cessna 337G Super Skymaster VH-JOE, or more commonly known as 'Birddog 410'. VH-JOE is an identical aircraft to Archerfield based, Aero Performance Cessna 337G Super Skymaster VH-JOC.
During seasons when bush fires in Central Queensland (and Queensland in general) are less likely, VH-JOE can often be found working afield, sometimes as far away as South Australia with scenic flight operators.
Manufactured in 1977 and powered by a pair of Teledyne-Continental IO-360, 6-cylinder engines, VH-JOE is capable of cruising at 170 knots, obtain a service ceiling of 16,300ft, and achieve an approximate range when empty of 1,140nm (2,110km).
Of interest, the 'push-pull' engine configuration of the Cessna 337 provides 'centre-line-thrust', the design reportedly resolves asymmetric handling problems of twin engine aircraft during 'engine-out' situations.
For enquires or more information, R-Mach Aviation can be contacted by ringing (07) 4921 1525 / (07) 4928 9888 / mob 0427 473 176 or by visiting their website at : http://www.r-mach.com.au/
