Lovellette, Greg . 2000. Safe Drop Height for Fixed-Wing Airtankers. 0057 2317. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 4 p.
Lists each type of fixed-wing airtanker approved by the Interagency Airtanker Board and the safe drop height for full and partial loads. Low-altitude retardant drops from fixed wing airtankers may injure firefighters. If the retardant has lost all of its forward momentum and is falling vertically as heavy rain, the danger to firefighters is minimal. Video and films of drop tests for a variety of airtankers dropping full and partial loads were examined. The distance below the aircraft where retardant began to fall vertically was recorded and compared to flight and release characteristics to determine the safe drop height.
Keywords: aircraft, fire retardant, safety, safety at work
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