Pilot controlled refill tanks for firefighting aircraft

A system for filling a firefighting vehicle with water, comprising:

• at least one water refill tank having an inlet pipe, at least one wall, an interior space enclosed by the at least one wall and in fluid communication with the inlet pipe, wherein the at least one water refill tank is configured to receive an end portion of a water refill hose from the firefighting vehicle so that the firefighting vehicle can withdraw water from the at least one at least one water refill tank to use for extinguishing fires;
• a remote controlled valve assembly in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and configured to selectively control a flow of water through the inlet pipe, the remote controlled valve assembly comprising;
• a supply valve configured to move between at least a closed state and an open state;
• a controller electronically coupled with the supply valve;
• a receiver electronically coupled with the controller;
• and
• a power supply configured to provide a supply of power to at least one of the supply valve, the controller, and the receiver;
• wherein:
• the receiver is configured to receive a communication produced by a transmitter remotely located relative to the at least one water refill tank and the valve assembly and to provide an output communication to the controller;
• and
• the controller is configured to cause the supply valve to at least move from the closed state to the open state substantially automatically upon receipt of the output communication from the receiver, thereby permitting a flow of water from the water source into the interior space of the at least one water refill tank without the need for a ground support personnel.