How do water bombers work

Watt, who was based mainly in Thompson, Man. Watching coverage of the wildfires in Fort McMurray , Alta. However, he doesn't necessarily wish he was there. Here is part of that conversation, edited for length. He explained that he would load his plane with water while a spotter in another aircraft, known as a "bird dog," would fly over the fire and identify areas where water should be dumped.

In Russia Russia has launched a series of development activities in aerial fire control technology. Antonov AN-2 P - This single-engine land airplane is well known among fire fighters. It is one of the planes used for smokejumping operations all over the CIS. Its conversion to a water bomber was specifically designed to control wildfires in the regions contaminated by radionuclides.

The extinguishant load is 1, l. Antonov AN - This transport plane is widely used in the civilian and military sector and in fire control operations long distance transport of firefighters, aerial observation, rain seeding, smokejumping. One of the recent developments is the construction of external tanks for extinguishants: Two tanks, each of which with a capacity of 2 tons, can be attached to the plane and used for initial attack once a fire has been spotted.

The tanks can be removed from the plane within a short space of time. Berijev Be P - Primarily a military amphibious airplane, a number of these planes have been converted to a firefighting version BE P.

The plane is a scooping plane and carries up to 6 tons of water. Berijev Be P - This is a multipurpose amphibious aircraft which can be configured for fire fighting, passenger, and cargo transport.

The two D turbofan engines are top-mounted and allow the scooping of water for aerial delivery over forest fires. In addition to the capacity of 12 tons of water or retardants, a 1.

They are called that because they act as the spotter, and lead waterbombers safely into the bombing pattern. No specific make or model of plane exists that could be called the definitive Bird Dog aircraft; a large variety are flown by spotters around the world. What all have in common is the task. On a fire call, the Bird Dog is airborne within minutes and sets up contact with the ground-based fire boss and determines the fire location, size and nature. Once the site has been assessed by the spotter, he radios back the information to the fire boss who directs the entire land and air firefighting operation.

While enroute to the fire, the waterbomber or tanker receives instructions from the Bird Dog as to circuit altitude, drop height, and exit plan. The Bird Dog leads each loaded waterbomber directly over the fire site for its drop and may continue for as many drops as it takes to quench the flames.

Often pilots rotate between the waterbomber and Bird Dog aircraft so that they are proficient with both. It is most beneficial for the Bird Dog pilot to be familiar with the waterbomber requirements particularly in the waterbombing role.

Carrying 42, litres 11, gal. US of water and fire retardants, it can, in one run, dump enough water to cover 6 double-wide football fields, or an area 1. The colouring, which gives fire retardant its characteristic red colour, allows crews to easily see where the retardant has landed. When flames come into contact with retardant, the resulting reaction releases a combination of water and carbon dioxide that helps cool and suffocate the fire.

Foam can also be used to help suppress a wildfire. It absorbs the heat from combustion while its bubble structure slowly releases water, which is absorbed by wood fuels. Dry foams have smaller, high-insulation bubbles that offer greater heat absorption, while wet foams have larger bubbles that allow water to penetrate forest fuels more easily. Wet foams are generally considered to be more effective fire suppressants because dry foams are difficult to apply effectively often getting caught in wind currents or tree canopies.

Water is used to both suppress and extinguish wildfires. It is typically applied by ground crews using water bags, tanks, pumps and hoses, or by helicopters equipped with buckets or belly tanks. Comments will be sent to 'servicebc gov. Enter your email address if you would like a reply:.

The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26 c and 27 1 c of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web , Government Digital Experience Division. I consent. Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to side navigation Accessibility Statement.

Section Navigation. Fire Centres. Response Types and Stages of Control. Wildfire Characteristics.