Jordan, Cammie . 2000. Ground Pattern Performance of the Columbia BV-234 Helicopter Using the Modified 3,000-Gallon Griffith Big Dipper Helibucket. 0057 2866. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program. 6 p.

Describes the results of tests to determine the optimal ground pattern coverage of foam, gum-thickened retardant, or water dropped from the Columbia BV-234 helicopter using the modified 3000-gallon Griffith Big Dipper Helibucket. Graphs with contour lines at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 gallons per 100 square feet show the drop pattern characteristics for the Columbia BV-234 helicopter using the modified 3000-gallon Griffith Big Dipper Helibucket flying at drop heights of 35 to 115 feet and airspeeds of 33 to 99 knots. A table shows the coverage of fire-retarding material needed for specific fuel types and fire behavior. Matched tables and graphs allow managers to estimate the flow rate needed to produce the maximum line length at various coverage levels for gum-thickened retardant, foam, and water.

Keywords: chemicals, drop guides, WFCS, wildfire

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