Firefighting Techniques and Technologies
Water Scooping
This effective firefighting technique takes only 12 seconds, travelling at 130 km/h (70 knots) and 410 metres (1,350 feet), to scoop up a 6,137-litre (1,621-US-gallon) water load.
The advanced Bombardier 415 aircraft scoops water from sites that are only two metres (6.5 feet) deep and 90 metres (300 feet) wide. When the water site is too small for a full pick-up, the Bombardier 415 takes a partial load and returns to the fire.
The Bombardier 415 amphibian doesn’t need a straight scooping path. Since the aircraft is still in "flying" mode while scooping, pilots can easily manoeuvre around river bends or visible obstacles in the water.
Scooping Time: | 12 seconds |
Water Volume Scooped: | 6,137 litres (1,621 US gallons) |
Water Mass Scooped: | 6,124 kilograms (13,500 pounds) |
Water Pickup Distance: | 410 metres (1,350 feet) |
Total Distance*: | 1,340 metres (4,400 feet) |
*include descent from 15 metres (50 feet) and climb-out to 15 metres (50 feet)
