SBIR-STTR Award

The applicant firm proposes under Phase I to prove feasible a proposed unique airborne retardant delivery system. The design of the system will limit the effect of aircraft and atmospheric disturbances (eg. aircraft forward velocity, turbulence, cross-winds, humidity, etc.) to the aerial delivery of retardant. Further proposed is to allow for flexibility and delivery rates to better meet current mathematical models. The end product of Phase I will be an operating, ground tested single tube prototype complete with rate and volume control. Follow-on Phase II research would expand the system and result in an economical, self-contained multiple tube system. Commercial development of the system would make it available to all State and Federal contractors for fire fighting.

Anticipated Results:
The proposed system would once completed set a new standard for retardant delivery systems. There are currently approximately 700 firefighting aircraft in the US of which there are about 90 that would be able to utilize the proposed system (C-130 B's) as well as markets for new models as they are developed. The company would expect to sell their PHD system to the public and private sector markets such as the Air National Guard, Coast Guard, etc.

The successfully completed Phase I research grant funded tests on the positive horizontal airborne retardant delivery (phd) system. Based on the results obtained, the concept will be taken to the flyable, prototype stage. A system simulation model that provides flexibility in input and output will be developed to allow the optimization of components and operational configuration. Production prototype system components will be designed and built resulting in a complete, flyable phd unit to be flight tested. Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of the control system and a variable flow rate/constant velocity nozzle. The nozzle design will optimize retardant delivery to a fire. The preliminary rheological analysis carried out as part of the Phase I research, will be expanded for inclusion into the simulation model of the entire system. Once constructed, the two-tube prototype system will be completely instrumented and tested, both on the ground and in flight. Test results will be used to verify and update the simulation model. The final task of the Phase II effort will be the completion of the preliminary design for a commercially viable production unit.Applications:Phd represents the development of all the components and controls required for commercial application of the concept. The Phase II effort will prove the viability of phd by building and testing all components. The simulation model to be developed will allow "tailoring" of a system for specific operational conditions. The phd system is expected to set a new standard for efficient, effective and economical retardant delivery for wildland fire fighting. At the completion of the Phase II effort, the company would be in a position to design and build phd delivery systems for a wide variety of aircraft and applications.