Air Tractor AT-802

Air Tractor · United States · first flew 1990 · light aircraft

The Air Tractor AT-802 is the world's largest single-engine agricultural aircraft, capable of carrying over 3,000 litres of spray or fire retardant on a single pass at speeds exceeding 320 km/h.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × turboprop, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	Very long forward fuselage dominated by the chemical or fire retardant hopper
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Largest single-engine agricultural turboprop with a 3,028-litre hopper
Very long forward fuselage dominated by the chemical or fire retardant hopper
Optional two-seat tandem cockpit visible in the AT-802A observer variant

Unmistakably large for a single-engine aircraft — the long, deep forward fuselage ahead of the cockpit dwarfs other agricultural types. The PT6A engine behind a large four-blade propeller, low wing with pronounced dihedral, and wide undercarriage distinguish it at a distance. The Fire Boss adds prominent floats under the fuselage.

Specifications

The Air Tractor AT-802 has a length of 10.97 m (36 ft).
It has a wingspan of 18.06 m (59 ft).
Its maximum speed is 341 km/h (212 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1990, the AT-802 was developed to meet demand from fire-fighting operators who needed greater payload than the AT-502 could provide. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67AG producing up to 1,295 shp, it brought airliner-level power to the agricultural sector. Fire Boss versions fitted with floats can scoop water from lakes and rivers.

Variants

The AT-802A adds a second cockpit seat for an instructor or observer; the AT-802 Fire Boss is fitted with amphibious floats for scooping operations; the AT-802U is an armed surveillance variant operated by some air forces.

Where you'll see it

Used extensively in wildfire suppression across North America, Australia, Spain, and Chile; agricultural operators use it for large-scale cotton defoliation and fertiliser work. The AT-802U serves with several air forces in light-attack and ISR roles.

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