It’s common knowledge that firefighting helicopters are instrumental in protecting communities and natural landscapes from fires. But have you ever wondered just how much water these helicopters can carry?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at how much water different helicopter models can carry. We’ll cover large, heavy-lifting helicopters, small, agile helicopters, and everything in between. We'll also discuss the various factors influencing a helicopter's water transport capacity.
How Much Water Can a Helicopter Carry?
Helicopters can usually carry between 600 and 3,000 gallons of water. It’s a broad range because the capacity can vary quite a bit, depending on the helicopter's size, model, and firefighting gear.
Types of Helicopters
The Incident Command System developed a method for identifying aircraft types, sizes, and capabilities during fire suppression. All aircraft were numbered and classified by “type” for ease of management. The classification simplified the entire air operations management process by making it easier to coordinate and order aircraft.
Type 1 Helicopters (heavy)
The largest and most capable helicopters used in aerial firefighting are classified as Type 1 or heavy helicopters. These heavy-lift helicopters can carry more than 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant. This enormous capacity makes them ideal for tackling large, complex wildfires.
With a maximum external load capacity of up to 25,000 lbs, a top speed of around 132 mph, and a range of approximately 244 miles, Type 1 helicopters are true workhorses in firefighting operations. However, most Type 1 helicopters cannot accommodate passengers during water delivery or slingload missions.
Examples: Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, and Kamov Ka-32
Type 2 Helicopters (Medium)
Type 2 or medium helicopters offer a balanced combination of size and maneuverability. They can carry between 1,800 and 2,999 gallons of water and transport 9 to 14 passengers. With a maximum external load of 4,000 lbs, a top speed ranging from 115 to 140 mph, and a range of 345 to 361 miles, these helicopters can support ground crews and conduct initial surveillance.
Examples: Bell 205A-1++, Bell 412EPX, and Sikorsky S-70 Firehawk
Type 3 Helicopters (Light)
The smallest and most agile firefighting helicopters are classified as Type 3 or light helicopters. Despite their compact size, they can still carry between 800 and 1,799 gallons of water or retardant. With a maximum external load of 2,500 lbs, a top speed of around 160 mph, and a range of 250 to 345 miles, these helicopters excel in reconnaissance missions and transporting personnel and equipment to remote areas.
Examples: Bell 407, Airbus AS-350 B3, and MD 500
Water Delivery Methods
Helicopters use two main methods to carry and deliver water during firefighting operations: buckets and internal tanks.
Water Buckets:
Helicopter buckets are one of the most common water delivery systems used by firefighting helicopters. They are typically suspended from the helicopter’s underside and are used to quickly fill water from lakes, rivers, or tanks set up by ground crews. Bambi Bucket is probably the most popular brand in this category.
The Bambi Bucket is not only used for firefighting but also in disaster relief, environmental protection efforts, and even unique situations like fish relocation and flood rescues. Its inventor, Don Arney, was posthumously inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2017 for his creation of this innovative firefighting tool.
Types of Bambi Buckets and Their Capacities
The Bambi Bucket has various models and sizes to suit different firefighting needs and helicopter capacities. Here’s a breakdown of the primary types:
- Standard Bambi Bucket
The standard Bambi Bucket, the original design, is known for its reliability and effectiveness, with capacities ranging from 72 gallons (270 liters) to 2,600 gallons (9,840 liters).
- Bambi MAX Bucket
The Bambi MAX Bucket developed for larger loads and higher efficiency, comes in 14 sizes, ranging from 180 US gallons (680 liters) to 2,590 US gallons (9,800 liters).
- Bambi Torrentula Bucket
Bambi Torrentula Bucket, introduced in 1997, is an alternative to the original design, available in four sizes from 1,060 US gallons (4,000 liters) to 2,590 US gallons (9,800 liters).
These buckets are specifically designed to match various helicopter models and mission profiles, allowing for flexible and efficient firefighting operations.
Internal Tanks:
While buckets offer flexibility and quick refilling capabilities, some helicopters are equipped with built-in internal tanks for water or retardant storage. These tanks are integrated into the aircraft's design, allowing for a more streamlined water delivery process. For example, the CH-47D Chinook can be fitted with a 2,500-gallon (9,464-liter) internal tank, enabling it to carry a substantial amount of water or retardant without needing an external bucket.
The choice between buckets and internal tanks often depends on the specific mission requirements, the helicopter's capabilities, and the availability of water sources in the area of operation.
Factors Affecting Helicopter Water Transport Capacity
Several factors can impact a helicopter’s ability to hold and transport. Understanding these factors is key when conducting high-stakes helicopter operations such as search and rescue.
The helicopter's size, model, and lifting capacity
As discussed earlier, larger helicopters like Type 1 and Type 2 models have a greater capacity to carry water or fire retardant than smaller Type 3 helicopters. However, even within the same category, the specific model and its lifting capacity can influence the amount of water it can transport.
The specific firefighting equipment installed
The type of water delivery system installed on the helicopter, whether a bucket or an internal tank, can affect the overall water-carrying capacity. The size and capacity of the bucket or tank itself will determine the maximum amount of water the helicopter can carry.
Altitude and weather conditions
Environmental factors such as altitude and weather conditions can significantly impact a helicopter's lifting capacity. Higher altitudes and hotter temperatures can reduce the aircraft's performance, potentially limiting the amount of water it can carry while maintaining safe flight operations.
Payload
A helicopter's payload capacity must also consider the weight of the crew, fuel, and any other equipment or supplies needed for a firefighting operation. This payload calculation ensures the aircraft can operate safely within its weight and balance limits.
Comparison to fixed-wing tankers
While helicopters offer unmatched maneuverability and the ability to access remote areas, fixed-wing air tankers are also essential assets in aerial firefighting operations. These aircraft typically have larger water or retardant-carrying capacities compared to most helicopters.
For example, large air tankers like the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 can carry up to 12,000 gallons (45,425 liters) of retardant, while smaller fixed-wing tankers like the Air Tractor AT-802F can carry up to 800 gallons (3,028 liters). However, fixed-wing tankers require longer runways for takeoff and landing, limiting their accessibility to certain areas.
Fire size and complexity, terrain accessibility, and the availability of nearby airports or airstrips dictate the choice between helicopters and fixed-wing tankers.
Future Developments
As the demand for effective aerial firefighting capabilities continues to grow, researchers and manufacturers are exploring ways to increase the water-carrying capacity and efficiency of firefighting helicopters.
Increased capacity designs
One area of focus is the development of larger and more capable bucket designs that can hold even greater volumes of water or retardant. It could involve using advanced materials and aerodynamic shapes to optimize lift and minimize weight.
Advanced materials for lighter buckets/tanks
Researchers are also exploring the use of lightweight yet durable materials, such as advanced composites, to reduce the overall weight of buckets and internal tanks. Lighter water delivery systems could increase the helicopter's payload capacity, allowing it to carry more water or retardant.
AI-assisted drop accuracy
Another promising area of development is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced sensor systems to improve the accuracy and precision of water drops. By analyzing factors such as wind patterns, terrain, and fire behavior, AI-assisted systems could help pilots optimize the timing and location of drops, maximizing their effectiveness in suppressing fires.
As technology continues to evolve, firefighting helicopters are likely to become even more capable and efficient in their water-carrying and delivery capabilities, further enhancing their vital role in protecting communities and natural resources from the threat of wildfires.
Conclusion
A helicopter's water-carrying capacity—which can range from hundreds to thousands of gallons—is a critical factor in its ability to fight fires from the air. As communities around the world face increasing wildfire threats, the role of these remarkable aircraft in protecting lives, property, and natural resources will only continue to grow in importance. And as technology advances, we will have even more drop accuracy, efficiency, and helicopters with more water carrying capacities.