defense

How to Fight Forest Fires with In-fuselage Tanks in Helicopters?

Which method is better for forest fires depends on the type of fire, the type of terrain and the characteristics of the helicopter. Buckets may be more suitable for small and difficult to access fires, while tanks may be more effective for fires in large and open areas.

In-fuselage tanks for fighting helicopter fires: Tanks carrying water are placed inside the fuselage rather than under the fuselage.

The photo shows a CH-47D equipped with an in-fuselage tank dropping water.

Two CH-47D helicopters of Billings Flying Service preparing to take to the sky.

A breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of in-fuselage tanks for fire fighting in helicopters compared to buckets and under-fuselage tanks is given below:

Advantages of In-fuselage Tanks:

Improved Centre of Gravity:

The weight of the water is distributed within the hull, providing better stability and handling, especially during manoeuvres. This can be very important for firefighting operations that require precise control (reflected in some patent applications such as [WO2005014394A1]).

Streamlined Design:

As the tank is inside the hull, it reduces aerodynamic resistance, potentially improving fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Protection Against External Damage:

Compared to exposed underbody tanks, the tank is less susceptible to punctures or impacts.

Disadvantages of In-Hull Tanks:

High Cost:

They are considerably more expensive than bucket systems.

Weight Limitations:

There may be limitations on how much liquid can be carried in the fuselage without compromising structural integrity or exceeding weight limits for safe flight.

Search and Rescue, personnel transport:

The interior of the helicopter may not be suitable for carrying personnel in emergencies, or for performing search and rescue missions.

Reduced Capacity:

In-fuselage space is often limited, limiting the amount of water a helicopter can carry compared to larger under-fuselage tanks.

Complexity and Cost:

Integrating a tank into the airframe structure can be more complex and expensive to design and manufacture compared to simpler bucket systems.

Maintenance Challenges:

In-fuselage tank access and maintenance can be more difficult than external tanks.

Helicopters are an important tool in fighting forest fires and the use of buckets or tanks for water delivery varies depending on various factors. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages:

Selection Criteria:

The factors to be considered in the selection of bucket or under-hull tank, in-hull tank are as follows:

Carrying capacity of the helicopter
Distance to the fire
Type and intensity of fire
Type and topography of the land
Helicopter size and capacity
Type and characteristics of existing water resources
Distance to the water source
Wind speed and direction
Operational costs

The effective use of helicopters in firefighting operations requires good training and coordination.

CH-47D of Billings Flying Services is seen with its bucket.

CH-47D with in-fuselage tank belonging to Billings Flying Services is about to leave the area with snorkelled water.

Which Method (Bucket, Underbody, In-fuselage) is Better?

Which method is better depends on the type of fire, the type of terrain and the characteristics of the helicopter. Buckets may be more suitable for small and difficult to access fires, while tanks may be more effective for large, open fires.

Buckets are simple and cheap but lack precision and stability. Underbody tanks provide a balance between capacity, precision and potential disadvantages in terms of stability and drag.

The choice between in-hull tanks, buckets and under-hull tanks depends on specific needs.

The best results in fighting forest fires are achieved by combining different water transport methods such as buckets and tanks. A fleet consisting of a mix of helicopters equipped with both buckets and tanks provides maximum flexibility. The helicopter fleet should have both options and the most appropriate method should be selected according to the specific requirements of the fire.

Helicopter firefighting is a matter of experience. Therefore, all relevant units in Turkey should get in touch with the relevant units in other countries and make maximum use of their experience and knowledge. If this is not done, it will be very costly for us to rediscover the USA. Is there a need to rediscover the USA?