Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest
Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
Albany, CA 94710-0011
(510) 883-8830

Publications and Products

Research Note

Title: Air tankers in Southern California Fires...effectiveness in delivering retardants rated

Author: Storey, Theodore G.; Cooley, Leon W.

Date: 1967

Source: Res. Note PSW-RN-155. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 4 p

Station ID: RN-PSW-155

Description: Eleven air attack experts were asked to rate 12 models of fixed-wing tankers and light helitankers for effectiveness ill delivering chemical fire retardants under 21 typical situations. They rated fixed-wing tankers as more effective in strong wind crosswinds, and downwind approaches, but helitankers as more effective in narrow canyons and on steep slopes. Certain models were considered better performing than others in specific situations. The study provides the dispatcher with some guidelines on the type and model of aircraft to send out in given situations.

Keywords: air tankers; fixed wing tankers; helitankers; helicopters; effectiveness ratings; fire suppression; fire retardants; fire control; Southern California

Citation

Storey, Theodore G.; Cooley, Leon W.  1967.  Air tankers in Southern California Fires...effectiveness in delivering retardants rated.   Res. Note PSW-RN-155. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 4 p.