How Much Water Does a Helicopter Bucket Hold?
Helicopter buckets, also known as belly tanks or water bomber tanks, are an integral part of wildland fire suppression and firefighting efforts. These specialized tanks attached to the underside of helicopters are designed to carry a significant amount of water, which is then dropped into the fire to extinguish or contain it. When it comes to the water-carrying capacity of helicopter buckets, there’s a lot of variation among different models and manufacturers.
Direct Answer:
The amount of water held by a helicopter bucket, also known as the volumetric capacity, varies between 100-20,000 gallons (378,500-75,706 liters). Yes, you read that right! That’s a huge range!
Factors Affecting Water Capacity:
Now, let’s dive into the factors that influence the water-carrying capacity of helicopter buckets:
Contents
Helicopter Type
Different helicopter models have different water-carrying capabilities. For instance:
| Helicopter Model | Volumetric Capacity (Gal) |
|---|---|
| Bell UH-1H (Slick) | 220-250 |
| MD 500 Defender | 250-300 |
| Sikorsky S-61 | 1,000-2,500 |
| Bell 412 | 2,300-3,000 |
Belly Tank Design
The design and construction of the belly tank itself also impact its capacity. Some belly tanks may have a higher capacity than others due to their dimensions, material, and drainage system.
Dropsite Height
The height at which the bucket is dropped can affect its water-carrying capacity. Higher dropsites mean less water is lost in transit, allowing for greater capacity.
Density of Water
The density of water varies depending on temperature and air pressure, which can impact the maximum water-carrying capacity of the helicopter bucket. At lower temperatures, water becomes more dense and can hold more volume within the same bucket.
Helicopter Performance
The performance of the helicopter itself, such as speed, altitude, and atmospheric conditions, also affects water-carrying capacity.
Water-Carrying Capacity by Manufacturer:
Here’s a breakdown of the water-carrying capacity by helicopter bucket manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Average Volumetric Capacity (Gal) |
|---|---|
| Sikorsky | 500-5,000 |
| Bell | 300-3,000 |
| MD Helicopters | 200-3,000 |
| EADS (Eurocopter) | 1,000-4,000 |
Practical Application:
Now that you know the various factors and capacities, here’s what it means in practical firefighting scenarios:
- Higher-capacity buckets are suited for larger fires, aerial firefighting operations, or long-duration drops.
- Lower-capacity buckets might be more suitable for small-scale fires, precision spotting, or aerial reconnaissance missions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the volumetric capacity of a helicopter bucket varies greatly depending on the helicopter type, belly tank design, dropsite height, density of water, and helicopter performance. Understanding these factors is essential for effective firefighting planning and execution. Whether your mission requires precision spotting, aerial firefighting, or long-duration drops, knowledge of the water-carrying capacity of helicopter buckets is crucial.
