Multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus

Abstract

A multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus for use by firefighters to control fire. The multi-modular aerial firefighting control method and apparatus generally includes multi-modular units that are held together to form an aerial firefighting system. The modular units may work together or independently. The multi-modular system comprises more than one modular unit, fluid, fluid conduit, reservoir, air flow generator, multi-modular unit support structure, aerial suspension system and aerial lift system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A support system for use with an aircraft for suspending and supporting an array of modular foam generators for use in aerial foam delivery activities, comprising a support structure configured to be suspended from the aircraft, the support structure including a plurality of designated mounting zones, each to receive one or more of the modular foam generators along the support structure, so as to configure the array of modular foam generators for the aerial foam delivery activities. 
     
     
         2 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the support structure includes a central portion and at least two spars configured to extend laterally therefrom, wherein each designated mounting zone includes a corresponding location on at least one of the spars. 
     
     
         3 . A system as defined in  claim 2 , wherein the mounting zones are each configured to engage a corresponding mounting portion on any one of the modular foam generators. 
     
     
         4 . A system as defined in  claim 3 , further comprising at least one anchor member for removably anchoring the mounting portion at the corresponding mounting zone. 
     
     
         5 . A system as defined in  claim 4 , wherein the anchor member includes a locking member mountable to a corresponding spar or to the mounting portion. 
     
     
         6 . A system as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a reeling mechanism configured to raise and lower the support structure relative to the aircraft. 
     
     
         7 . A modular foam generator array assembly, comprising the support system of  claim 1  and an array of at least one modular foam generator configured to be mounted at a corresponding one of the designated mounting zones. 
     
     
         8 . An assembly as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the support structure includes at least two spars configured to extend laterally from a central portion on the aircraft, wherein each designated mounting zone includes a corresponding location on at least one of the spars. 
     
     
         9 . An assembly as defined in  claim 8 , wherein each of the modular foam generators in the array includes a corresponding mounting portion for mounting on any one of the mounting zones. 
     
     
         10 . An assembly as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising at least one anchor member for removably anchoring the mounting portion at the corresponding mounting zone. 
     
     
         11 . An assembly as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the mounting portion of the at least one modular foam generator comprises at least a pair of formations to engage any one of the mounting zones, and is securable thereto by a corresponding one of the at least one anchor member. 
     
     
         12 . An assembly as defined in  claim 10 , wherein the anchor member includes a locking member mountable to a corresponding spar or to the mounting portion. 
     
     
         13 . An assembly as defined in  claim 7 , further comprising a reeling mechanism configured to raise and lower the support structure relative to the aircraft.