WO2021111253A1 - Système de collecte d'eau pour aéronef de lutte contre l'incendie - Google Patents

Système de collecte d'eau pour aéronef de lutte contre l'incendie Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021111253A1
WO2021111253A1 PCT/IB2020/061134 IB2020061134W WO2021111253A1 WO 2021111253 A1 WO2021111253 A1 WO 2021111253A1 IB 2020061134 W IB2020061134 W IB 2020061134W WO 2021111253 A1 WO2021111253 A1 WO 2021111253A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water collection
water
collection system
aircraft
accordance
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2020/061134
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Giovanni Battista MOLINARO
Stefano UBERTI
Original Assignee
Technox S.R.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Technox S.R.L. filed Critical Technox S.R.L.
Publication of WO2021111253A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021111253A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D1/00—Dropping, ejecting, releasing, or receiving articles, liquids, or the like, in flight
    • B64D1/16—Dropping or releasing powdered, liquid, or gaseous matter, e.g. for fire-fighting
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D1/00—Dropping, ejecting, releasing, or receiving articles, liquids, or the like, in flight
    • B64D1/22—Taking-up articles from earth's surface

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • work aircraft in the present disclosure generally means that type of aircrafts having compact size, also known as “agricultural aircrafts” or “utility aircrafts”.
  • Fire-fighting 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • a suitable collection group i.e., scooper
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 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
  • FIG. 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
  • FIGS. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • said tank fillable and emptiable as a function of the operations faced by the pilot in flight.
  • said tank 950 is included in the water collection system 1, being houseable on board the aircraft 900.
  • the fire fighting aircraft 900 comprises a fuselage 910.
  • the fire-fighting aircraft 900 comprises at least two trolleys 920 transversely spaced apart from each other.
  • 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.
  • the trolleys 920 are retractable instead.
  • the water collection system 1 is fluidically connectable (or is connected) to said tank 950 to allow it to be filled.
  • 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.
  • the water collection system 1 comprises a base frame 2 positionable at the bottom of the fuselage 910 of aircraft 900.
  • 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.
  • said base frame 2 comprises a hatch 20 commandable in closing during water collection operations and in opening during water discharge operations.
  • Hatch 20 preferably acts as the lower wall of tank 950.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the fire fighting aircraft 900 itself provides one or more discharge hatches directly on the fuselage.
  • the water collection system 1 comprises a water collection group 4 suitable for engaging the water surface T.
  • 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.
  • the water collection group 4 comprises a plate body 5 suitable for engaging said water surface T upon sliding.
  • said plate body 5 has a suitable shape to allow the moving aircraft itself to slide over the water.
  • 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.
  • the water collection operation is therefore performed while reaching a dynamic balance by virtue of the plate body.
  • the plate body 5 preferably is a gliding hull or a ski or a plate.
  • the plate body 5 comprises a hull surface 50 suitable for engaging the water surface T upon sliding.
  • 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.
  • the size of the plate body 5 preferably are designable as a function of the features of the aircraft.
  • the water collection group 4 further comprises a collection inlet port 6 through which the water is collected towards tank 950.
  • 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.
  • the collection inlet port 6 is preferably positioned at the tail region 52 of the plate body 5.
  • the water collection system 1 comprises a support structure 3 engaged with the base frame 2 and with the water collection group 4.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • the support structure 3 comprises a preferably flexible tube 30 suitable for connecting the inlet port 6 to tank 950.
  • the support structure 3 comprises at least one support arm 35, each extending between base frame 2 and plate body 5.
  • the support arm 35 comprises a first end 351 engaged with the plate body
  • 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.
  • the support structure 35 comprises a plurality of movement arms 35.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • the support arms 35 are rigid, each preferably consisting of a single extrudate.
  • Support arms 35 are preferably made of metal or a metal alloy or a light alloy.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the command members 7 are commandable in a first direction and in a second direction.
  • 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.
  • the command members 7 comprise a specific telescopic control arm.
  • the command members 7 comprise electronic command components, for example an electric motor engaged with said support structure 3.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the fixed trolleys 920 are spaced apart from the water surface in the water collection operations.
  • the water collection system and the fire-fighting aircraft comprising the water collection system allow to achieve the preset object of the invention.
  • the water collection operations are highly simplified as well as much less risky.
  • the plate body is suitable for sliding over the water and returning the thrust action of the water to the aircraft.
  • 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.
  • the support structure allows to move the plate body easily, and support and transmit effectively the action of water to the fire-fighting aircraft.
  • the work aircrafts are thus usable in an effective and safe manner in the fire-fighting operations .
  • the known work aircrafts on the market i.e., utility aircrafts and agricultural aircrafts
  • said aircrafts are easily brought back to the preceding base configuration by disassembling the water collection system.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système (1) de collecte d'eau pour un boîtier d'aéronef (900) de lutte contre l'incendie ou comprenant un réservoir (950) de collecte d'eau. Le système (1) de collecte d'eau peut être en communication fluidique avec ledit réservoir (950) pour permettre son remplissage avec de l'eau, comprenant : i) un cadre de base (2) qui peut être positionné au fond du fuselage (910) de l'aéronef (900) ; ii) un groupe de collecte d'eau (4) approprié pour venir en contact avec la surface de l'eau (T), comprenant un corps de plaque (5) approprié pour venir en contact avec la surface de l'eau (T) lors du coulissement et un orifice d'entrée de collecte (6) qui est immergé dans l'eau, dans une configuration dans laquelle le corps de plaque (5) vient en contact avec la surface de l'eau (T) ; iii) une structure de support (3) en prise avec le cadre de base (2) et avec le groupe de collecte d'eau (4) comprenant un tube (30) pour relier l'orifice (6) au réservoir (950) et au moins un bras de support (35) en prise avec le cadre de base (2) et avec le corps de plaque (5). Le système (1) de collecte d'eau peut être conçu dans une configuration de vol, dans laquelle le groupe de collecte d'eau (4) se trouve à proximité du fuselage (910) et dans une configuration de collecte, dans laquelle le groupe de collecte d'eau (4) est positionné de sorte à se trouver dans une position distale par rapport au fuselage (910).
PCT/IB2020/061134 2019-12-02 2020-11-25 Système de collecte d'eau pour aéronef de lutte contre l'incendie WO2021111253A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT102019000022695 2019-12-02
IT102019000022695A IT201900022695A1 (it) 2019-12-02 2019-12-02 Sistema di raccolta acqua per aereo antincendio

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WO2021111253A1 true WO2021111253A1 (fr) 2021-06-10

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2382599A1 (fr) * 1977-03-03 1978-09-29 Bertin & Cie Dispositif de prelevement de liquide a grande vitesse relative
US20010054669A1 (en) * 2000-03-10 2001-12-27 Lee Ramage Fluid loading system
US20130112907A1 (en) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-09 Leonard E. Doten Polymer mixer powered by hydrodynamic forces
WO2016113256A1 (fr) * 2015-01-13 2016-07-21 Jabe Beheer B.V. Appareil d'écopage de l'eau pour agent d'extinction de feux de forêts dans des avions citernes non amphibies

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2382599A1 (fr) * 1977-03-03 1978-09-29 Bertin & Cie Dispositif de prelevement de liquide a grande vitesse relative
US20010054669A1 (en) * 2000-03-10 2001-12-27 Lee Ramage Fluid loading system
US20130112907A1 (en) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-09 Leonard E. Doten Polymer mixer powered by hydrodynamic forces
WO2016113256A1 (fr) * 2015-01-13 2016-07-21 Jabe Beheer B.V. Appareil d'écopage de l'eau pour agent d'extinction de feux de forêts dans des avions citernes non amphibies

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