DAB BUCKET
Helicopter firefighting operations rely on specialized firefighting buckets as a critical component. These buckets enable rapid intervention in firefighting operations. Designed specifically to swiftly transport water to the fire area, these buckets enhance the effectiveness of firefighting operations. It’s widely known that helicopters play a crucial role in firefighting activities. Among the most effective methods for helicopters is transporting water with buckets.
The specialized design of the helicopter firefighting bucket ensures rapid intervention in firefighting operations.
The helicopter bucket is designed to be flexible for use in different conditions and challenging terrain, enhancing operational efficiency. Helicopters can swiftly collect water from various sources such as artificial pools, rivers, seas, dams, lakes, and ponds to combat fires.
Durable Material
The bucket is made of durable and high-quality materials to ensure reliable performance in firefighting operations. It is highly resistant to obstacles such as trees, high-voltage lines, rocks, etc. It has been produced in this way and patented, and there is no other example of a firefighting bucket like this worldwide.
Weight Balancing
The aerodynamic design is optimized to maintain the balance and maneuverability of the helicopter. This design ensures that the helicopter is not affected by weight-induced instability during rapid water intake and discharge into the operation area.
User-Centric Ergonomics
The design of the bucket has been developed ergonomically to provide comfort and efficiency for pilots during use. To minimize the filling time during water intake, weights are placed on the bucket in the direction of helicopter movement. This allows the bucket to tilt forward and quickly submerge to collect water, ensuring ergonomic functionality.
Usage Advantages
Rapid and Effective Intervention
The helicopter bucket enables quick intervention in firefighting operations, helping to bring fires under control. Therefore, the DAB 2500 firefighting bucket is designed to fill and empty at optimum times for rapid and efficient firefighting
Flexibility and Maneuverability
The bucket provides helicopter pilots with flexibility and maneuverability in challenging conditions, enhancing the effectiveness of operations. Its design minimizes drag forces by reducing air resistance, allowing for greater maneuverability.
Operational Efficiency
The bucket is designed ergonomically to provide comfort and efficiency for users during operation. This reduces operation times and facilitates firefighting intervention.
DAB 2500 Firefighting Bucket Features
Material and Durability of the Bucket
When choosing a firefighting bucket, the durability of the material and its resistance to fire are important factors. The DAB 2500 firefighting bucket is made of double-layered PVC canvas that is resistant to temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C, UV rays, and fungal formations. This ensures long-term durability and reliable performance during firefighting operations.
Capacity and Transportability
The capacity of the bucket determines how much water it can carry during firefighting operations. Additionally, it should be easily transportable by the helicopter. Therefore, it is appropriate for the helicopter to select the bucket based on its useful load carrying capacity.
Weight and Balance
The weight of the bucket affects the balance of the helicopter. Therefore, the selected bucket should be carefully chosen with balance calculations for the safety of the helicopter. The DAB2500 Model firefighting bucket is designed to hold 2500 liters of water. The empty weight of the firefighting bucket is 115 kg / 253 lb, and the total weight including the bucket is measured as 2605 kg / 5743 lb. These values are subject to a variability of +/- 5% as indicated in the calibration report
Water Holding and Discharge Speed
The speed at which the bucket can fill and empty water is crucial for the effectiveness of firefighting operations. Rapid water flow is a critical factor. In the DAB 2500 firefighting bucket, the filling time of water varies depending on weather conditions, averaging between 3 – 5 minutes, while the discharge takes an average of 5 seconds.
Impact of Climate and Environmental Factors
The performance of the bucket can be influenced by climate conditions and environmental factors. It is designed to withstand effects related to the bucket canvas such as temperatures ranging from -40°C to +70°C, UV radiation, and fungal formations. Additionally, it is designed to have high resistance to environmental factors such as muddy and sandy water, as well as obstacles like trees, reeds, and high-voltage lines.
Long-Term Usage Efficiency
Maintaining the performance, durability, and efficiency of the bucket over the long term is important. The DAB 2500 firefighting bucket should be visually inspected after each flight. In case of any damage such as tears, holes, missing pins, bolts, nuts, ropes, etc., that may affect the structural integrity of the bucket, immediate maintenance according to the service manual is required. After use with salty, muddy, sandy water, etc., the bucket should be cleaned with fresh water. When not in use, the bucket and control mechanism should be covered to protect them from sunlight, dust, etc. These conditions will ensure long-term usage efficiency.
Compatible Helicopter Types
Our DAB 2500 product is actively used with KAMOV KA-26, KAMOV KA-29, KAMOV KA-32, MIL MI-8, MIL MI-8 MTV, MIL MI-8 MTVL Night Vision, and MIL MI-17 helicopter models. These specified helicopter models are among the most commonly used firefighting helicopters. They are suitable for use with helicopters that have a cargo hook and a carrying capacity of 2605 kg (+/- 5%) or more at 5000 feet altitude and 30°C ambient temperature. (This calculation should also include additional loads such as crew, cargo, fuel, oil, etc., required for the operation.)