The Efficiency of Aerial Firefighting in Varying Flying Conditions

Abstract

This paper investigates and describes an aerial firefighting process by the use of helicopters equipped with the Bambi Bucket. An experimental airplane, in the flight simulator of the Mi-17 Moder/Tv-17, was utilized here as one to evaluate the effectiveness of the aerial firefighting process. One of simulator’s modules named „Fire Extinguishing“ was used to evaluate dimensions of a terrain covered by an extinguishing substance and also a volume of the extinguishing substance remained on the surface unit which was released from the Bambi Bucket after a helicopter overflight. The experimental flights with variables like helicopter speed and flight height, became the basis for the research of firefighting effectiveness and also a source of various recommendations for daily practice.