Jordan, Cammie . 2001. Ground Pattern Performance of the Forest Service Bell 206 Helicopter With the 100-Gallon Sims Rainmaker Helibucket. 0157 2805. 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 100-gallon Sims Rainmaker 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 100-gallon Sims Rainmaker helibucket flying at drop heights of 37 to 48 feet and airspeeds of 44 to 45 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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