Elbit Hydrop Is Aerial Firefighting Game-changer | Aviation International News

Elbit Hydrop Is Aerial Firefighting Game-changer

Elbit Systems' Hydrop aerial firefighting system that enables retardant drops from much higher altitudes

Elbit's Hydrop aerial firefighting system that enables retardant drops from much higher altitudes in day or night conditions.

By Mark Huber • Contributor

January 21, 2020

Elbit Systems completed a successful field demonstration of its new Hydrop aerial firefighting system that enables retardant drops from much higher altitudes in day or night conditions. Hydrop uses precision-directed liquid pellets, enabling drops from as high as 500 feet to 2,000 feet agl, considerably higher than the typical 100- to 120-foot agl altitude required for the conventional liquid cascade method in use since the 1950s.

During Hydrop demonstration flights, drop aircraft launched 1.6 tons of 140-gram liquid pellets in a computed ballistic trajectory, achieving a precise hit with saturation of one to two liters per square meter. Hydrop integrates fighter aircraft avionics—including a ballistic computer, command and control (C2), and advanced display systems—together with biodegradable liquid pellets stored in a specially designed airborne dispenser.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Falcon Executive Cleared for Flights at Dubai Helipark

Facility at Al Maktoum International Airport will complement the group’s FBO

Dubai Helipark

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helicopter Sales Activity Up

Pricing on heavy twins reached a five-year high in the first half

Sikorsky S-92 in flight

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota

Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter

Nepal Relief Efforts Need More Support and Coordination

Local rotorcraft industry leader urges international partners to get involved in crisis

Nepal army helicopter

Boltoukhine Named Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Frederic Lemos departs after serving as CEO of ACH since 2017

Nicolas Boltoukhine

Avincis Orders Five McDermott 214ST Utility Helicopters

Medium twin-engine rotorcraft will supplement European firefighting operations

Artist's impression of Avincis' McDermott 214ST helicopters

One Bell Kenya Facility Serves Three East Africa Fleets

Facility offers maintenance, avionics, and shipping support

Bell helicopter flying in east Africa

Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues

Nepal’s army and private operators have deployed rotorcraft across the flood zone

Heli Everest H125 helicopter