Ground Coverage Simulations for Firefighting Helicopter

doi:10.4050/F-0081-2025-0039

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Ground Coverage Simulations for Firefighting Helicopter

Arin Goksan, Osman Güngör, Ahmet Alper Ezertaş, Turkish Aerospace Industry

https://doi.org/10.4050/F-0081-2025-0039

Abstract:
This study numerically investigates the relationship between airspeed, drop height, and ground water coverage during helicopter-based aerial firefighting. With the effect of global warming and human activities the threat of forest fires has increased and finding optimal water dumping strategies for effective suppression is a crucial part of the firefighting operations. How varying airspeed and water drop height influence water dispersion and ground coverage has been analyzed utilizing numerical simulations with the VOF model in STAR-CCM+. Findings show that to maximize firefighting efficiency, balancing two contradicting phenomena is essential. These are, minimizing ineffective mist formation due to high drop height/high airspeed and fueling of the fire from rotor downwash due to low height/low airspeed passing by over the fire zone.