Helicopter bucket Facts for Kids

Helicopter bucket under a UH-3 Sea King of the US Navy.

A helicopter bucket is a large, special container used by helicopters. It helps them carry and drop water or fire retardant from the sky. This is usually done to put out wildfires. These buckets are removable, meaning they can be attached or taken off a helicopter easily. They are often stored in special boxes when not in use.

What is a Helicopter Bucket?
- How Do Helicopter Buckets Work?
- Types of Helicopter Buckets
  - Why Are They Important for Fighting Wildfires?
Images for kids
See also

What is a Helicopter Bucket?

A helicopter bucket is like a giant, flexible bag. It hangs underneath a helicopter on a strong cable. These buckets are designed to pick up a lot of water very quickly. They can hold hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water. This makes them very useful for fighting large fires, especially in places that are hard to reach on the ground.

How Do Helicopter Buckets Work?

When a helicopter needs to fight a fire, it flies to a nearby water source. This could be a lake, a river, or even a large portable tank. The pilot then lowers the bucket into the water. A special valve at the bottom of the bucket opens, allowing water to rush in and fill it up. Once full, the pilot lifts the bucket and flies towards the fire.

When the helicopter is over the fire, the pilot opens the valve again. This releases a huge amount of water or fire retardant directly onto the flames. This process is called "water bombing." Helicopters can make many trips, quickly refilling their buckets and dropping water until the fire is under control.

Types of Helicopter Buckets

There are different types of helicopter buckets, but they all do the same job. Some are rigid, like a solid container, while others are flexible and can be folded up. The most famous type is often called a Bambi bucket. This name comes from the company that first made them. Bambi buckets are very popular because they are lightweight and easy to use. They also have a special valve that allows the pilot to control how much water is released.

Why Are They Important for Fighting Wildfires?

Helicopter buckets are a key tool for firefighters. They can reach fires in remote areas where fire trucks cannot go. They can also drop water very precisely, helping to protect homes or important natural areas. By quickly dropping large amounts of water, these buckets help to cool down fires and stop them from spreading. This saves forests, wildlife, and sometimes even lives.