Comparing the Top ATUs for Aerial Firefighting: AFDAU-T1, DataVault, and DZMx

This blog content comes from our latest free ATU comparison infographic - download your free copy here.

As wildfires continue to pose a significant threat to communities and the environment, aerial firefighting has become an increasingly important tool in the fight against these disasters. To meet the requirements of aerial firefighting contracts, operators must use additional telemetry units (ATUs) to record firefighting event data for enhanced reporting needs.

The Airborne Mission Systems AFDAU-T1, DataVault from Trotter Controls, and Flightcell DZMx are three of the top ATUs certified for compliance, providing sophisticated and extremely capable solutions for aerial firefighting operations. In this article, we will outline the similarities and differences between the devices to help you make an informed purchasing decision.

All three devices have several key similarities. Firstly, they capture telemetry data and mission events automatically, including real-time GPS position reporting, engine starts/stops, takeoffs/landings, bucket capacity (including the volumes for each drop), and fill/drop-start/drop-stop events. Secondly, they are all compliant with the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and US Forestry (AFF) requirements for ATU event reporting, ensuring you meet the requirements to secure aerial firefighting contracts. Thirdly, they interface with most industry standard load cells, hopper gauging systems, and tanks, making them compatible with a wide range of aircraft.

Additionally, all three devices seamlessly and securely send operational data through cellular/satellite to your TracPlus account (wildfire management software) for easy analysis and reporting. They also log all events for download at a later date if required.

Now, let's take a closer look at the key features of each device.

AFDAU-T1 Key Features:

• Made by Airborne Mission Systems (AMS)
• The AFDAU-T1 requires NO calibration upon installation or when changing to different capacity buckets, saving you valuable time and resources. However, it does require pairing with the RockAIR device for satellite-based tracking functionality to be compliant with USFS AFF regulations.
• AMS provides a diagnostic and configuration tool for the PC to allow for easy configuration, troubleshooting, and downloading of data logs.
• The AFDAU-T1 comes with a comprehensive installation manual for many different types of systems. There is no “choose your own path” – AMS has calibrated its event detection algorithm, which is run on the AFDAU, to each possible configuration and solution that is defined in the installation manual.
• The device comes in a rugged and compact enclosure, with a small footprint. Its weight is only 0.2kg (0.44 lb), and its dimensions are 98 mm x 120 mm x 27 mm (3.9” x 4.72” x 1.06”).
  
  
  

Trotter DataVault Key Features: 

• Made by Trotter Controls
• The DataVault is a single-component solution that includes Iridium satellite-based tracking functionality, meeting USFS AFF tracking requirements.
• The device comes with configurable time-based tracking, and a cockpit display is available.
• It also offers an option for an additional messaging interface, enabling two-way transmission of preformatted text messages and adjustable tracking transmission intervals.
• The DataVault can be configured to control auxiliary equipment such as pumps, valves, and motors, with configurable I/O cards.
• Its weight is 1.8kg (4lbs), and its dimensions are 188mm × 188mm × 63mm (7 3/8′′ × 7 3/8′′ × 2 1/2′′).

DZMx Key Features:

• Made by Flightcell
• The Flightcell DZMx is an ATU/AFF-compliant all-in-one compact communication system that provides global voice (cellular & Iridium satellite), messaging, data, and tracking functionalities.
• It is built in such a way that it can automatically capture telemetry data and flight events.
• It has the ability to integrate with third-party fire tank controllers and other external devices.
• The Flightcell DZMx offers enhanced operational communications using in-cockpit Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
• All functions are housed in a small and rugged form factor.
• The DZMx has a weight of 720g (1.6lbs) and dimensions of 126mm x 54mm x 110mm (5.0” x 2.2” x 4.3”).

In conclusion, each of these devices has its own unique set of features, making it important to carefully consider which one is best for your operation. The Airborne Mission Systems AFDAU-T1, DataVault by Trotter Controls and Flightcell DZMx are all excellent options to choose from.

With the recent USFS aerial fire compliance regulations, it's important to keep in mind that choosing the right ATU can greatly improve your aerial firefighting operations and increase the likelihood of securing aerial firefighting contracts.

If you want to capture event data and meet aerial firefighting compliance with an ATU, reach out to us today – we can get you sorted.