Jordan, Cammie . 2001. Ground Pattern Performance of the California Department of Forestry Bell S205 Helicopter With the 300-Gallon Sims Rainmaker Collapsible Helibucket. 0157 2803. 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 or water dropped from the 300-gallon Sims Rainmaker collapsible 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 300-gallon Sims Rainmaker collapsible helibucket flying at drop heights of 29 to 68 feet and airspeeds of 18 to 85 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 airspeed needed to produce the maximum length of line at the desired coverage when dropping foam or water.
Keywords: chemicals, drop guides, WFCS, wildfire
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