Firehawk Helicopters is the latest offshoot of Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. Through the years Brainerd Helicopters has operated a diverse fleet that has included the Sikorsky S-58, S-58T, Eurocopter (Sud Aviation/Aerospatiale) SA-319B Alouette III,  MD 500D, and Bell 212.

Brainerd Helicopters, Inc. has participated in Research and Development activities for major defense contractors participating in such important programs as the AH-64 Apache’s TADS/PVNS sensor suite’s development with  Martin Marrietta (now Lockheed Martin) and the LANTIRN pod used on the F-16 and F-15.In 1984 it flew the first Heart Balloon Pump used in an aerial application in the US with its innovative use of an Sikorsky S-58T for EMS Helicopter based transport.

In 1987 Brainerd Helicopters entered the fire fighting industry in Support of the US Forest Service and Office of Aircraft Services supporting wildland fire fighters throughout the US.From 1995-96 saw Brainerd Helicopters move out of its S-58T’s and become the first commercial company in the US to buy and begin to operate the Sikorsky S-70C Black Hawk.  It was during this time that it established Firehawk Helicopters exclusively to operate the Black Hawk thus allowing it to brand the aircraft under the Firehawk name.In 1999 Brainerd Helicopters added the Eurocopter SA-319 Alouette III to its operations to diversify its fleet.  It operated these aircraft until 2003, when the company transitioned to the newer Eurocopter AS-350B3 Astar with its class leading and unmatched performance.

In 2001 a second S-70C was purchased from Sikorsky and repurposed for the task of Wildland firefighting.In 2005 Brainerd/Firehawk Helicopters partnered with Brown Helicopter, one of the industries leading parts suppliers.  The company took on operational responsibilities for Brown’s three S-70A Black Hawks that had recently been acquired from the Government Flying Service of Hong Kong.  These aircraft were refurbished and slowly phased into service over the following  three year period.Also in 2005-06 Firehawk participated in the rescue and restoration efforts following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA.  Initially Firehawk helped evacuate and rescue stranded patients and residents throughout the greater New Orleans area.  Following the first few weeks,  Firehawk provided aerial fire fighting support for the New Orleans Fire Department for over 12 months.

Currently FireHawk operates a fleet of 4 Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawks and 3 Eurocopter  AS-350B3’s in support of Wildland Fire Fighting and other commercial endeavors .