Abstract: This invention, and the associated methods, relate to fighting fires from aircraft. The invention, and the associated methods, also relate to early detection of fires; delivering liquids (primarily fire retardant or water) in a timely and accurate manner for the suppression of fires; and performing those functions under conditions of smoke obscuration and darkness which currently inhibit or prohibit aerial fire fighting. The novel capabilities detailed in this patent also allow for useful functions not now performed by airtankers such as, but not limited to, search and rescue; disaster damage assessment and recovery; law enforcement; natural resource protection such as dispersant spraying on oil spills, and avalanche control.