In-flight water scooping system for fire fighting aircraft - uses torpedo shaped scoop with motor and control surfaces controlled from aircraft for depth, direction and speed

摘要

A torpedo shaped scoop is self propelled under water by a motor. The scoop is attached to the aeroplane by a towing cable and a tubular cable which passes over winches in the aircraft. The water is forced into the scoop inlet and is forced into the tubular cable to be pumped into water tanks in the aircraft by suction pumps. Two ailerons and a rudder on the tail section ensure that the scoop is maintained in the water during the trawling action by the aircraft. These controls are controlled by commands issued from the aircraft and transmitted along the towing cable. When the tanks are full the scoop is winched aboard the aircraft and the rudder and aerilons provide control to guide the scoop.