THIS IS THE GLOBAL 747 SUPERTANKER. THE PROTOTYPE FIRST FLEW BACK IN 2004. THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE SHOWED LITTLE INTEREST. HOW MANY OF THESE ARE FIGHTING THE FIRES IN CALIFORNIA? ONE, THE ONLY ONE THAT EXISTS, DEVELOPED AT GREAT COST AND FINANCIAL RISK BY A PRIVATE COMPANY. THEY ARE NOT PERFECT AND ARE EXPENSIVE TO OPERATE, BUT IF YOU LOSE A CITY - PARADISE LOST - HOW MUCH DOES THAT COST?
