When it comes to aerial firefighting operations, accurate data collection is key to ensuring compliance and ensuring efficient and effective bucket operations. But collecting and reporting this data can be a cumbersome task, especially in the midst of a busy firefighting season.
That's where the AFDAU-T1 additional telemetry unit (ATU) comes in - the industry-leading device for aerial firefighting operations. This innovative device provides automatic bucket calibration and digital data collection, simplifying the need to meet reporting requirements for aerial firefighters. The AFDAU is also compatible with both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, so your data capture needs are covered for any type of aerial fire application.
Compliant with the U.S. Forest Service's ATU requirements, the AFDAU-T1 ATU accurately and efficiently records information on bucket operations, including bucket capacity, volume dropped, engine start/stop, and aircraft takeoff/landings. And with minimal pilot interaction required, even when swapping buckets in a slung load configuration, the AFDAU-T1 ATU simplifies the accurate calibration of buckets.
Installation of the AFDAU-T1 ATU is a breeze, and once installed, requires minimal pilot input in a busy cockpit. Pairing the AFDAU-T1 with a RockAIR flight tracking device is certified as compliant with USFS AFF regulations & NAFC standard requirements on tracking, event data collection, and messaging. And with data securely stored and displayed with TracPlus Cloud, reporting to USFS and NAFC has never been easier.
But the AFDAU-T1 ATU isn't just reliable and accurate - it's also cost-effective, making it the ultimate solution for capturing operational data. Don't take our word for it - Jim Norrie, Head of United Aero Helicopters, has seen outstanding results from using the AFDAU-T1 ATU in one of their BK117's.
“In 2018, we started to trial AFDAU-T1 in one of our BK117's. We had been looking for an alternate and cost-effective solution to meet our contractual firefighting needs and saw the TracPlus/AFDAU-T1/RockAIR combination as a possible solution. We’ve now collected data using AFDAU-T1 through one very busy fire season and the results have been outstanding. We are now planning to upgrade our legacy systems through the fleet.”
- Jim Norrie, United Aero Helicopters
Countless aviation companies like McDermott Aviation, United Aero Helicopters, and Microflite all depend on the AFDAU additional telemetry unit to reliably capture event data while aerial firefighting. Making the task of meeting US Forest Service aerial fire compliance far more manageable.
So if you're looking for a cost-effective solution to meet compliance needs while capturing reliable and accurate operational data, look no further than the AFDAU-T1 ATU - the ultimate tool for aerial firefighting operations.
What to know:
- The AFDAU-T1 unit interfaces with and monitors onboard sensors to produce compliant event messages. Featuring high-performance data processing to produce accurate and reliable event messages, the AFDAU-T1 ensures your aircraft is compliant with NAFC & USFS ATU contractual requirements.
- Using only digital BUS inputs for receiving volume sensor data, the AFDAU-T1 does not require any test flight or simulated loads for calibration and setup.
- Installation and configuration of the AFDAU-T1 is straightforward with a PC connected via USB port.
- An installation manual is delivered with the unit.
Hardware Specifications:
Dimensions: 98 mm x 120 mm x 27 mm / 3.9” x 4.72” x 1.06”
Weight: 0.2kg / .441 lb
Connector: 37 Pin D-SUB (Male Pins)
Programming Port: USB Mini-B
Electrical Specifications:
Input Voltage: 14-28V DC
Current Draw: 200mA
RS232 Ports: 4 (Tx & Rx)
Input Pins: 6 (Open / Ground)
Internal Input Relays: 6 (Ground or Power Switching)
Extern Relay Drive Pins: 2 (Open / Ground)
C39 Data Port: 1
CAN Bus Port: 1
If you think capturing event data and meeting compliance with an AFDAU would be beneficial for your operations, reach out to us today – we'd love to chat.
