Israeli technology company Elbit Systems has successfully demonstrated its high-altitude high-precision aerial firefighting solution.
During an Israel Fire and Rescue Authority-led exercise, the HyDrop system was used to extinguish a burning field.
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Two of Israeli Fire Fighting Squadron’s Air Tractor aircraft were equipped with the system to conduct the field demonstration.
The HyDrop system features a pellet manufacturing machine, which is capable of producing up to ten tonnes of pellets in an hour. The machine is enclosed in a standard 20ft container.
In addition to being biodegradable, the pallet residues are proven to be harmless. The test also showed it to be safe for the ground crews.
The aircraft flew at a height of up to 500ft, which is more than four times the average standard aerial firefighting altitude.
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By GlobalDataHyDrop integrates a ballistic computer, a command-and-control (C2) system and advanced display systems of the fighter aircraft to release the liquid pellets stored within.
The C2 unit navigates the aircraft to drop the pallets stored in a specially designed airborne dispenser.
A ballistic computer calculates the aircraft velocity, altitude, GPS location and wind conditions.
As part of the exercise, the aircraft dropped 1.6t of 140g liquid pellets in a computed ballistic trajectory, hitting the target at 1-2l/m².
Since 1953, liquid cascade drop methods have been used in aerial firefighting. These methods have disadvantages, including restricted daytime operation and low-altitude firefighting.
The HyDrop solution enhances pilot safety and improves aerial firefighting effectiveness.
