WO2021111253A1

WO2021111253A1 - Water collection system for fire-fighting aircraft

Info

Publication number: WO2021111253A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/061134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Battista MOLINARO; Stefano UBERTI
Original assignee: Technox S.R.L.
Priority date: 2019-12-02
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2021-06-10
Also published as: IT201900022695A1

Abstract

The invention is a water collection system (1) for a fire-fighting aircraft (900) housing or comprising a water collection tank (950). The water collection system (1) is fluidically connectable to said tank (950) to allow it to be filled with water, comprising: i) a base frame (2) which is positionable at the bottom of the fuselage (910) of the aircraft (900); ii) a water collection group (4) suitable for engaging the water surface (T), comprising a plate body (5) suitable for engaging the water surface (T) upon sliding and a collection inlet port (6) which, in a configuration in which the plate body (5) engages the water surface (T), is immersed in water; ill) a support structure (3) engaged with the base frame (2) and with the water collection group (4) comprising a tube (30) for connecting the port (6) to the tank (950) and at least one support arm (35) engaged with the base frame (2) and with the plate body (5). The water collection system (1) is configurable in a flight configuration, in which the water collection group (4) is proximal to the fuselage (910), and in a collection configuration, in which the water collection group (4) is positioned so as to be distal from the fuselage (910).

Description

DESCRIPTION

"WATER COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR FIRE-FIGHTING AIRCRAFT"

[0001]The present invention relates to a water collection system for a fire-fighting aircraft. Moreover, the present invention relates to a fire-fighting aircraft comprising said water collection system. In particular, the present invention relates to a fire-fighting work aircraft comprising said water collection system.

[0002]The term "aircraft" in the present disclosure means an airplane equipped with rigid, substantially flat wings suitable for performing takeoff and landing operations as well as flying in the atmosphere, on command by the pilot.

[0003]Additionally, the term "work aircraft" in the present disclosure generally means that type of aircrafts having compact size, also known as "agricultural aircrafts" or "utility aircrafts".

[0004]Aircraft solutions are well known in the prior art. Fire-fighting aircraft solutions are also well known in the prior art. Work aircraft solutions usable in fire fighting actions are also well known in the prior art. Fire-fighting aircrafts are typically converted agricultural aircraft and/or utility aircraft with fire fighting purposes. [0005]Several fire-fighting aircraft solutions are known in the prior art.

[0006]A first category of fire-fighting aircrafts provides for the water loading operations to be performed with an aircraft stationary on the ground, in an airport or airfield. The frequency of water discharging operations over a fire is therefore connected to the distance of an adequate airport to the location of the fire and to the speed of the operation of filling the tank of the aircraft. [0007]A second category of aircrafts provides them to land on a water surface. Therefore, these aircrafts comprise systems which allow floating on water. For example, certain aircrafts (such as the Canadair CL415m) are equipped with a keel on the lower part of the fuselage, or other aircraft (for example, the aircraft known as "Air Tractor Fire Boss") provide a pair of floats.

[0008]The fire-fighting aircrafts in this second category perform the water loading operations in movement: after the landing operation on the water, they continue their route and collect the suitable amount of water using the dynamic pressure applied to suitable openings (also known as "scoopers") by the water. Once such an operation is complete, the pilot maneuvers the aircraft, increasing the speed and performing the take-off operation, then going to the region of the fire and discharging the water onto the fire itself.

[0009]The aircrafts in this second category are particularly costly (consider the Canadair CL215-415) or they are not particularly efficient in the solutions in which the aircraft have fire-fighting features following the conversion of a work aircraft. In particular, with reference to the solution of work aircrafts converted into fire-fighting aircrafts, the landing operation on a water surface on the floats results in a significant increase in weight which penalizes the payload (useful load of water) and reduces the performance flight and aerodynamic features of the aircraft itself.

[0010]A third category of aircrafts, which aims to solve the problems of the aircrafts from the second category, provides the possibility of performing the water loading operations under flight circumstances, without requiring landing on water. Therefore, such fire-fighting aircrafts do not require particular components for the engagement with water, instead having a tube (rigid or not rigid) to which first end a suitable collection group (i.e., scooper) is mounted, while the second end is restrained to the aircraft itself (to the fuselage thereof).

[0011]Therefore, it is necessary for the aircrafts in this category to perform a descent in which they approach the water surface, and a collection, performed in movement in which the aircraft flies at such a height as to keep the collection group thereof in water, loading the water under the dynamic thrust of the fluid itself.

[0012]Such operations always have an increasing coefficient of difficulty. In particular, the water collection operation is particularly complex, and therefore potentially dangerous, both for the descent but especially for the collection.

[0013]In further detail, the collection is particularly difficult because the pilot does not have the height information with respect to the water basin over which he/she is flying. The risk indeed is the one of not being able to keep the aircraft at a fixed height over time, therefore not being able to keep the water collection components in a position in which said collection is performed. Not being able to keep a correct height of the aircraft with respect to the water basin affects the efficiency, and therefore the timing, of the water collection operations. Moreover, an excessively proximal position to the water surface may give rise to a highly risky circumstance; possible fixed trolleys of the aircraft may hit the water, e.g., a wave, with potentially catastrophic consequences.

[0014]Therefore, such operations are typically performed by skilled pilots with a significant number of flying hours and a significant number of fire-fighting missions.

The more skilled the pilot is, the more effective and safer the water collection operation will be. However, it should be noted how such operations in any case have an increased coefficient of difficulty, even for a skilled pilot.

[0015]It is worth noting that such a problem has not been dealt with to date. Therefore, the need is highly felt to solve such a problem so as to allow to perform effective, and possibly not very difficult, and low-risk water collection operations.

[0016]It is the object of the present invention to provide a water collection system for fire-fighting aircrafts by means of which such a need is met. It is the object of the present invention to provide an aircraft which comprises said water collection system. It is the object of the present invention to provide a work aircraft which comprises said water collection system.

[0017]Such needs are met by a water collection system in accordance with claim 1, and by a fire-fighting aircraft comprising said water collection system in accordance with claim 12. The claims dependent thereon describe further preferred embodiments.

[0018]The features and advantages of the water collection system and of the fire-fighting aircraft according to the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of a non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019]- Figures la, lb, lc, Id, le and If diagrammatically show the water collection and discharge operations of a fire-fighting aircraft comprising a fire-fighting system in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

[0020]- Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are three orthogonal, preferably side, front and bottom, views of a fire- fighting aircraft with a water collection system in a collection configuration, in accordance with the present invention;

[0021]- Figures 3', 3'' and 3''' show three perspective views of a fire-fighting work aircraft with a water collection system in a collection configuration, in accordance with the present invention;

[0022]- Figures 4a, 4b and 4c depict three perspective views of the water collection system in accordance with the present invention, in a collection configuration, intermediate configuration and a flight configuration, respectively.

[0023]In accordance with the accompanying drawings, a water collection system in accordance with a preferred embodiment, according to the present invention, is indicated by reference numeral 1 as a whole. [0024]The accompanying drawings also show a fire-fighting aircraft 900 in accordance with a preferred embodiment. With the exception of the description below, the features of the fire-fighting aircraft do not limit the present invention.

[0025]According to a preferred embodiment, the fire fighting aircraft 900 is of the work type. Therefore, the fire-fighting aircraft 900 preferably is an agricultural aircraft or a utility aircraft converted to fire-fighting use.

[0026]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the fire fighting aircraft 900 houses a water collection tank 950 fillable and emptiable as a function of the operations faced by the pilot in flight. [0027]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said tank

950 is included (and housed) in the fire-fighting aircraft 900.

[0028]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said tank 950 is included in the water collection system 1, being houseable on board the aircraft 900.

[0029]According to a preferred embodiment, the fire fighting aircraft 900 comprises a fuselage 910.

[0030]Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the fire-fighting aircraft 900 comprises at least two trolleys 920 transversely spaced apart from each other. [0031]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said trolleys 920 are fixed. That is, said trolleys 920 are in a fixed position in which they extend in height over the bottom of the aircraft, for example of the fuselage and/or of the wings.

[0032]In further preferred embodiments, the trolleys 920 are retractable instead.

[0033]In accordance with the present invention, the water collection system 1 is fluidically connectable (or is connected) to said tank 950 to allow it to be filled.

[0034]In particular, the filling of tank 950 is made possible, by means of the water collection system 1, with the fire-fighting aircraft 900 moving in a region which is proximal to a water surface T of a water basin. [0035]In accordance with the present invention, the water collection system 1 comprises a base frame 2 positionable at the bottom of the fuselage 910 of aircraft 900.

[0036]In particular, the base frame 2 is a component which is rigidly connected, or connectable, to the fire- fighting aircraft 900, for example to the fuselage, for example to the load-bearing frame of aircraft 900.

[0037]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said base frame 2 comprises a hatch 20 commandable in closing during water collection operations and in opening during water discharge operations. [0038]Hatch 20 preferably acts as the lower wall of tank 950.

[0039]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the base frame 2 comprises a box-like structure 25. Said hatch 20 is preferably housed in, and preferably hinged to, said box-like structure 25.

[0040]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the base frame 2 is made of metal. The box-like structure 25 of the base frame 2 is preferably made of metal. The base frame 2 is preferably treated to be anticorrosion.

[0041]According to a preferred embodiment, the base frame 2, in particular the box-like structure 25, is integrally connected to the bottom of the aircraft by means of specific locking means, for example screws-bolts or rivets.

[0042]In accordance with further embodiments, the water discharge hatch is an integral part of the aircraft, positioned thereon irrespective of the shape and positioning of the water collection system 1. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the fire fighting aircraft 900 itself provides one or more discharge hatches directly on the fuselage.

[0043]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the water collection system 1 comprises a water collection group 4 suitable for engaging the water surface T. Specifically the collection group 4 is that component or group of components of the water collection system 1 suitable for being brought into contact with the water basin as well as suitable for performing the water collection from said basin.

[0044]In particular, the water collection group 4 comprises a plate body 5 suitable for engaging said water surface T upon sliding.

[0045]In particular, said plate body 5 has a suitable shape to allow the moving aircraft itself to slide over the water.

[0046]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the plate body 5 allows the engagement of the moving aircraft with the water surface T so as to receive and transmit a thrust action to the fire-fighting aircraft 900. In particular, the water collection operation is therefore performed while reaching a dynamic balance by virtue of the plate body.

[0047]The plate body 5 preferably is a gliding hull or a ski or a plate.

[0048]According to a preferred embodiment, the plate body 5 comprises a hull surface 50 suitable for engaging the water surface T upon sliding.

[0049]Said hull surface 50 preferably has a convex profile. [0050]Said hull surface 50 preferably is tapered extending in length between a tip region 51 and a tail region 52.

[0051]The size of the plate body 5 preferably are designable as a function of the features of the aircraft. [0052]In accordance with the present invention, the water collection group 4 further comprises a collection inlet port 6 through which the water is collected towards tank 950. [0053]The collection inlet port 6 is engaged with the plate body 5 and positioned so that said inlet port 6 is immersed in water in a configuration in which the plate body 5 engages the water surface T.

[0054]The collection inlet port 6 is preferably positioned at the tail region 52 of the plate body 5.

[0055]According to the present invention, the water collection system 1 comprises a support structure 3 engaged with the base frame 2 and with the water collection group 4. Preferably, said support structure 3 is suitable for connecting the base frame 2 to the water collection group 4, but it is especially suitable for being configured in a plurality of positions in which the position of the water collection group 4 varies.

[0056]Indeed, according to the present invention, the water collection system 1 is configurable in a flight configuration, in which the water collection group 4 is proximal to fuselage 910, and in a collection configuration, in which the water collection group 4 is positioned so as to be distal from fuselage 910 to allow the engagement with the water surface T.

[0057]In particular, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, the position of the support structure 3 corresponding to the collection configuration is variable as a function of the needs and desires of the pilot. [0058]In a preferred embodiment, the water collection system 1 is structured and positioned on the fire fighting aircraft 900 so that the thrust action of the water is directed to the center of gravity of the fire fighting aircraft 900 in the collection configuration. [0059]In certain preferred embodiments however, as a function of the desires of the pilot, the water collection system 1 is structured and positioned on the fire-fighting aircraft 900 so that the thrust action of the water is slightly offset from the center of gravity of the fire-fighting aircraft 900 in the collection configuration .

[0060]In accordance with the present invention, the support structure 3 comprises a preferably flexible tube 30 suitable for connecting the inlet port 6 to tank 950. [0061]Moreover, in accordance with the present invention, the support structure 3 comprises at least one support arm 35, each extending between base frame 2 and plate body 5.

[0062]According to a preferred embodiment, the support arm 35 comprises a first end 351 engaged with the plate body

5 and a second end 352 engaged with the base frame 2.

[0063]Preferably, by moving the support arm 35, the collection group 4 is commanded in a flying position which is proximal to fuselage 910 and in a water collection position which is distal from fuselage 910 in which, engaged with the water basin, it collects water. [0064]According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 35 comprises a plurality of movement arms 35. [0065]According to a preferred embodiment, support arms 35 are rigid and comprise a first end 351 hinged to the plate body 5 and a second end 352 engaged with, preferably hinged to, the base frame 2.

[0066]According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 3 comprises at least one front support arm 35, preferably comprises two front support arms transversely spaced apart from each other, preferably proximal to a tip region 51 of the plate body 5.

[0067]Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 3 comprises at least two rear support arms 35 transversely spaced apart from each other preferably proximal to a tail region 52 of the plate body

5.

[0068]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the support arms 35 are rigid, each preferably consisting of a single extrudate.

[0069]Said support arms 35 are preferably made of metal or a metal alloy or a light alloy.

[0070]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the thrust action undergone by the plate body 5 is rigidly transmitted to the support arm 35, or to the support arms 35, to be rigidly transmitted to the base frame 2, therefore to the fire-fighting aircraft 900 and therefore to the pilot.

[0071]According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 3 comprises transverse reinforcement elements 38 located proximally to the plate body 5, extending between two support arms 35, preferably between a front support arm 35 and a rear support arm 35.

[0072]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the water collection system 1 comprises command members 7 engaged with the support structure 3, in particular engaged with the support arm 35, or with the support arms 35, to command the movement and positioning thereof.

[0073]According to a preferred embodiment, the command members 7 are suitable for producing a rotary action which rotationally moves the support arm 3 or the support arms 3, resulting in the displacement of position of the water collection group 4.

[0074]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the command members 7 are commandable in a first direction and in a second direction.

[0075]The command members 7 are preferably housed on the base frame 2 and comprise a rotation element, the movement of which results in the rotation of the support arms 35. The rotation element preferably is a pneumatic body, preferably having a dual effect.

[0076]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the command members 7 comprise a specific telescopic control arm. [0077]According to a further preferred embodiment, the command members 7 comprise electronic command components, for example an electric motor engaged with said support structure 3.

[0078]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the command members 7 are calibrated/adjusted when the water collection system 1 is mounted on the aircraft, thus setting up the different configurations and the different positions of the collection group 4, even as a function of the fire-fighting aircraft 900 on which the water collection system 1 is installed. [0079]In accordance with preferred embodiments the command members 7 are calibratable/regulatable by the pilot him/herself as a function of his/her requirements and needs. [0080]According to a preferred embodiment, in accordance with the above description, the water collection system 1 is suitable for increasing the vertical thrust as the height over the water of the fire-fighting aircraft decreases, and vice versa. [0081]In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the water collection system 1 is suitable for adjusting the thrust vector consistently with the flight dynamics of the fire fighting aircraft 900 in order to stabilize it as the surrounding conditions vary, such as, for example the weight of the fire-fighting aircraft 1 itself discharged of water and loaded with water.

[0082]According to a preferred embodiment, the fire fighting aircraft 900 comprises at least two fixed trolleys 920 transversely spaced apart from each other, and with the water collection system 1 configured in a flight configuration, the support structure 3 and the water collection group 4 are assembled proximally to the fuselage so that said fixed trolleys 920 protrude more, where, with the water collection system 1 configured in a collection configuration, the water collection group 4 is positioned distally from fuselage 910, protruding more with respect to the two fixed trolleys 920.

[0083]In other words, with the water collection system configured in the collection configuration, the fixed trolleys 920 are spaced apart from the water surface in the water collection operations.

[0084]Innovatively, the water collection system and the fire-fighting aircraft comprising the water collection system allow to achieve the preset object of the invention.

[0085]Advantageously, the water collection operations are highly effective.

[0086]Advantageously, the water collection operations are highly simplified as well as much less risky. [0087]Advantageously, the plate body is suitable for sliding over the water and returning the thrust action of the water to the aircraft. Advantageously, the pilot indeed has a constant feedback on the height of the aircraft with respect to the water surface, knowing perfectly when the plate body is sliding over it or is detached therefrom.

[0088]Advantageously, the support structure allows to move the plate body easily, and support and transmit effectively the action of water to the fire-fighting aircraft. [0089]Advantageously, the work aircrafts are thus usable in an effective and safe manner in the fire-fighting operations .

[0090]Advantageously, the known work aircrafts on the market, i.e., utility aircrafts and agricultural aircrafts, are easy convertable into the fire-fighting use by mounting the water collection system. Moreover, in this manner, said aircrafts are easily brought back to the preceding base configuration by disassembling the water collection system.

[0091]Advantageously, the need to mount floats on work aircrafts, i.e., utility aircrafts and agricultural aircrafts, in place of the trolleys with the aim to make such aircrafts suitable for fire-fighting use, is obviated.

[0092]Advantageously, the water collection system has minimal volumes; advantageously, the water collection system has limited weight; advantageously, the water collection system avoids upsetting the flight dynamics of the fire-fighting aircraft.

[0093]Advantageously, the water collection system also is suitable for solving the problem of a possible engagement of the fixed trolleys of the aircraft with water, preventing the occurrence thereof. [0094]It is apparent that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the above-described water collection system and fire-fighting aircraft in order to meet contingent needs, all contained within the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Water collection system (1) for a fire-fighting aircraft (900) housing or comprising a water collection tank (950), wherein the water collection system (1) is fluidically connectable to said tank (950) to allow the filling thereof with fire-fighting aircraft (900) in movement in a region near to a water surface (T) of a water basin, wherein the water collection system (1) comprises: i) a base frame (2) positionable at the bottom of the fuselage (910) of the aircraft (900); ii) a water collection group (4) suitable to engage the water surface (T), comprising:

- a plate body (5) suitable to engage in sliding over said water surface (T);

- a collection inlet port (6) engaged to the plate body (5) and positioned in such a way that in a configuration wherein the plate body (5) engages the water surface (T) said inlet port (6) is immersed in water; iii) a support structure (3) engaged to the base frame (2) and to the water collection group (4) comprising:

- a tube (30), preferably flexible, suitable to connect the inlet port (6) with the tank (950);

- at least one support arm (35) engaged to the base frame (2) and to the plate body (5); wherein the water collection system (1) is configurable in a flight configuration, in which the water collection group (4) is proximal to the fuselage (910), and a collection configuration, in which the water collection group (4) is positioned distal from the fuselage (910) to allow the engagement with the water surface (T).

2. Water collection system (1) in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plate body (5) comprises a hull surface (50) suitable to engage in sliding over the water surface (T) having a convex profile.

3. Water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, the at least one support arm (35) is rigid comprising a first end (351) hinged to the plate body (5) and a second end (352) engaged, preferably hinged, to the base frame (2).

4. Water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (3) comprises:

- at least one front support arm (35), preferably comprises two transversely spaced front support arms, preferably proximal to a tip region (51) of the plate body (5);

- at least two transversely spaced rear support arms (35), preferably proximal to a tail region (52) of the plate body (5).

5. Water collection system (1) in accordance with claim

4, wherein said support arms (35) are rigid, each being preferably composed of a single extrudate.

6. Water collection system (1) in accordance with claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the support structure (3) comprises transverse reinforcement elements (38) located proximally to the plate body (5) extending between two support arms (35), preferably between a front support arm (35) and a rear support arm (35).

7. Water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising command members (7) engaged to the support structure (3), wherein said command members (7) are suitable to produce an action of movement of at least one support arm (3) involving the displacement of position of the water collection group (4).

8. Water collection system (1) in accordance with claim 7, wherein said command members (7) command at least one support arm (35) in rotary movement.

9. Water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein said command members (7) are preferably housed on the base frame (2) and comprise a pneumatic rotation element, the movement of which comprises the rotation of the support arms (35).

10. Water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein said base frame (2) comprises a hatch (20) suitable to act as the lower wall of the tank (950), wherein said hatch (20) is suitable to be commanded in closing during water collection operations and in opening during water discharge operations.

11. Water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tank (950) to which the base frame (2) is engaged, wherein said tank (950) is housable in an aircraft (900).

12. Fire-fighting aircraft (900) comprising a water collection tank (950) and a water collection system (1) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.

13. Fire-fighting aircraft (900) in accordance with claim 12, comprising at least two, transversely spaced, fixed trolleys (920), wherein, with the water collection system (1) configured in a flight configuration, the support structure (3) and the water collection group (4) are assembled proximally to the fuselage in such a way that said fixed trolleys (920) protrude more, wherein, with the water collection system (1) configured in a collection configuration, the water collection group (4) is positioned distally from the fuselage (910), protruding more with respect to the two fixed trolleys (920).

23

14. Fire-fighting aircraft (900) in accordance with any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein said aircraft is of the work type, i.e. it is an agricultural aircraft or a utility aircraft.