BAMBI MAX OPERATIONS MANUAL
Contents
1. Note Capacities and weights are accurate to within 5 Specifications subject to change Caution The selection of a Bambi bucket model for a specific aircraft is dependent on many factors including aircraft weight fuel weight operation elevation and atmospheric conditions The helicopter operator must select a bucket model which is appropriate for their specific situation The operator must also ensure that the bucket selected does not pose a tail rotor strike hazard NJ Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 18 E Te Section 7 Warranty Section 7 Warranty SEI Industries Ltd the company agrees to grant a warranty for a period of one year from the date of purchase of Bam bi bucket systems on the following conditions a The company s sole obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing at the company s sole discre tion any product shown to be defective b The company s products are not guaranteed for any specific length of time or measure of service but are warranted only to be free from defects in workmanship and material for a period of one year to the original purchaser c To the extent allowable under applicable law the company s liability for consequential and incidental damages is expressly disclaimed The company s liability in all events is limited to and shall not exceed the purchase price paid d This warranty is granted to the2. 11 Dump Pattern rT 11 D ump SP OGG 11 ea een ee 12 Section 5 Packing and Storage 13 Packing and Storing a ee lei el en el 13 Packing the BUCKED unse ea 13 Section 6 Specifications and Parts 17 Capacity and Weight Specifications 17 Bambi MAX Specifications D Rene 17 Bambi MAX with External PowerFill Snorkel Specifications 17 Bambi MAX with Internal PowerFill Specifications 18 Section 7 Warranty 19 m Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B E Te Section 1 Introduction to the Bambi MAX Overview All Models Section 1 Introduction to the Bambi MAX Overview All Models This manual provides helicopter operators with information on the operation of the Bambi MAX as well as for the PowerFill and PowerFill Snorkel systems For service and maintenance information please refer to the separate service manual for your specific model number Since its introduction in 1983 the Bambi Bucket has become the preferred means of helicopter fire fighting for more than 600 companies and agen cies worldwide This universal industry accept ance is the result of the Bambi Bucket s effectiveness reliability simplicity and ease of use There are several models of buckets availa ble as well as a number of ac
3. JS 2 iy zt QNI BAMBI MAX ALL MODELS MANUAL 2013 VERSION B BAMBI MAX OPERATIONS MANUAL Version B Issue Date April 2013 PLEASE READ BEFORE USING SEI INDUSTRIES LTD 7400 Wilson Avenue Delta B C Canada V4G 1E5 Phone 604 946 3131 Fax 604 940 9566 E Mail seisales sei ind com Website www sei ind com COPYRIGHT 2013 SEI INDUSTRIES LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINTED IN CANADA NJ Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B E Te Table of Contents Section 1 Introduction to the Bambi MAX 1 Overview All Models ES m M 1 Section 2 Preflight Safety Check 2 SricaAReuedri e 2 Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket 4 Deployment Instructions ee 4 Attaching to the Cargo Hook 4 Ig ler ee i e PE ee 4 Connecting y e 5 Checking Suspension Cable Length essen 5 Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging sss 6 Shorter Suspension Cables anne ee 6 Instant Deployment System IDS Y Section 4 Flight Operations 8 Flying the Bambi MB dde 8 Filling the Bambi aa 9 Filling the Bambi MAX with PowerFill System 10 Variable Fill Capability t OR 10 Dumping the Bucket C I 11 etm
4. Operations Manual Version B 13 BUCK E To Driven by Innovation Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing 3 Insert the operations manual into the storage bag 4 Gather the suspension lines into a coil and stow inside the bucket Place the head outside of the bucket to prevent the possibility of the lines tangling 5 Place the head on top of the collapsed bucket Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual Version B 14 BUC KE Ts Driven by Innovation Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing 6 Roll the bucket into a bundle and wrap with straps supplied 7 Rotate shell until head is under the shell 8 Take the carrying bag and drape it over the bucket Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual Version B 15 BUC K E Ts Driven by Innovation Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing 9 Roll the bucket over and insert the manual 10 Close with zipper and store with label showing The Bambi MAX carrying bag makes a suitable shipping container when shipping via airfreight Because of the compactness of the Bambi many operators carry it aboard the helicopter at all times during the fire season This allows for rapid deployment when required Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 16 BUCK ET Driven by Innovation Section 6 Specifications and Parts Capacity and Weight Specifications Section 6 Specifications and Parts Capacity and Wei
5. original purchaser of Bambi bucket systems and does not extend to a subsequent purchaser or assignee e The company must receive notification in writing of any claims of warranty from the original purchaser which must give details of the claimed defect in the product f Where the original purchaser is claiming under warranty the product must be returned to the company for inspection with all transportation and duty charges prepaid g The warranty does not extend to any product that has been accidentally damaged abraded altered punctured abused misused or used for a purpose which has not been approved by the company h This warranty does not apply to any accessories used with the product that are not supplied by the company and any warranty on such accessories must be requested from the manufacturer or dealer of the accessories i In the event the original purchaser does not give notice of a warranty claim within one year of the original purchase of the product it is understood that the purchaser has waived the claim for warranty and the purchaser and or any sub sequent purchaser must accept the condition of the product without warranty j Any technical information supplied by the company regarding the product is not a condition of warranty but rather is information provided by the company to the best of its knowledge k There are no implied warranties nor is there any warranty that can be assumed from any representation of any pe
6. to the closest possible point on the tail rotor B must always exceed by at least six 6 inches Important Note Itis recommended that operators who choose to use the Bambi bucket with a longline ensure that the longline is at least 50 long m am i 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 6 B T Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Instant Deployment System IDS Shorter Suspension Cables If the overall length of the Bambi bucket exceeds the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor of the helicopter shorter suspension lines and deployment lines must be used and can be ordered from SEI Please specify the model and serial number when ordering parts Instant Deployment System IDS The instant deployment system uses a hub and spoke mechanism to automatically expand the mouth of the bucket as soon as the weight of the Bambi MAX is taken up by the suspension ca bles When the bucket is full the IDS deployment ca ble and hub restrainer cables should be slack as they should not bear any load Their function is to position the hub and spoke mechanism to hold the bucket open To deploy the IDS on the ground reach into the Correct IDS position bucket grasp the hub of the IDS and pull out ward fully until the two restraining cables from the hub to the lower bucket shell are tight The IDS is normally set to the last chain link by the factory which is its correct position but if
7. a fill has been started the bucket can be raised or lowered relative to the water line without losing the prime e Frothing of the water or slow fill rate indicates the pump is not submerged for enough to maintain prime The further the bottom of the bucket can be lowered into the water source the faster the bucket will fill e Where possible employ a partial dip fill augmented by the pump to reduce the total fill time e Itis recommended that the pump not be run when a conventional dip fill is possible Do not run the pump if it is submerged to depth of 10 feet 3 m or more Do not submerge the bucket to a depth of more than 20 feet 6 1 m when performing conventional dip fills pump off in deep water sources The filter screen is designed to filter out objects large enough to damage the pump impel ler and to prevent weeds and debris from clogging the pump intake If operating the pump in extremely dirty or swampy water sources more frequent inspections of the pump impeller and filter screen may be required to maintain optimal function The pump can be run dry without damage However maximum life can be obtained from the pump motor if the run time is limited only to filling the bucket Excessive run time will require more frequent lubrication of the pump output shaft See the service manual for the lubrication procedure Variable Fill Capability In some areas fire conditions require the reduction of bucket l
8. bles with your mirrors before liftout To fill the bucket from an open top tank you will require a tank with a recommended depth as shown in the chart below Bambi Height Required Tank Height BBX2024 43 1 09 58 1 52 BBX2226 44 1 10 60 1 52 BBX2 32 48 1 22 60 152 BBX6578 67 170 90 305 BBX 590 73 185 96 3 05 BBXHL4000 75 190 96 3 05 BBXHL5000 80 203 110 3 05 NOTE This table does not apply if you are using a PowerFill system In that case a water depth of 18 46cm can be used to fill the bucket NJ Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version 9 E Te Section 4 Flight Operations Filling the Bambi MAX Filling the Bambi MAX with the PowerFill System Initiating a fill with the PowerFill is simple and can be quickly mastered Operation of the pump s is ac complished by simply pressing the fill button for as long as it takes to fill the bucket There are a few key points to keep in mind e To initiate a fill the pump impeller must be immersed It may not be possible to fill from water sources less than 18 46cm deep e Once a fill has been started the bucket will need to be supported by maintaining some tension on the suspension lines particularly when the bucket is nearly full If the bucket is not supported the flexible nature of the bucket shell may allow it to collapse to one side as the water load increases e Once
9. cessories including the PowerFill systems and the Bambi Power Pack The operation of the Bambi MAX can be quickly mastered by operators with no previous experi ence and the bucket requires no pre assembly Once airborne the operator can easily become familiar with the flight characteristics of the Bambi MAX inside bucket bucket Several test fills will also provide famil iarity with the variable filling and dumping capabilities of the bucket Please read this manual prior to flying the bucket partic ularly the sections on deploying filling and dumping For your own protection and for longer bucket life always read the instructions and warnings Ignoring these warn ings could result in personal injury bucket damage or air craft damage SEI Industries Ltd offers complete parts supply and repair services for the Bambi MAX For a repair facility in your area please contact SEI For maintenance and repair pur poses parts diagrams and descriptions are provided in a separate service manual specific to your model When ordering parts please provide the model and serial Bambi MAX number of your Bambi MAX For more copies of this manual please contact SEI or visit our website at www bambibucket com for more information on these products Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual Version B 1 BUCK Driven by Innovation Section 2 Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist Section 2 Preflight Safety Check Sa
10. fety Checklist Along with the aircraft the Bambi MAX should also receive a preflight inspection each day Follow the checklist below beginning at the bottom of the bucket and working upwards 1 SO we og Check the bottom chain looking for any tears in the fabric straps Also check the lockwire or tie wraps on the shackles Check for loose bolts around the bucket shell IDS brackets at the top the wear strips at the bottom and bottom rings Check the diagonal M straps that connect the suspension cables to the top of the bucket looking for signs of wear or incorrect suspension line connections Check the suspension cables for frays kinks or loose swages Check that the ballast is securely attached Full ballast is essential for safe operations Check the head for secure shackles Once the Bambi MAX is hooked up to 28V power activate the valve several times to ensure that the hook up is correct If a PowerFill system is installed inspect the conductor wires for damage chaffing or wear Con firm that the conductor cables are firmly secured For PowerFill Snorkel the wires should be attached to the nearest suspension line For PowerFill internal the wires are attached to the IDS deployment cable e Ifalong line is used the wires should be attached to this line also Warning Do not operate with damaged cables Damage to an electrical cable that leaves the conductor ex posed can result in a fire if it comes in co
11. ght Specifications Bambi MAX Specifications Bambi Max Model Capacit Gross Weight Empty Weight Imp Gal US Gal Liters Ib kg Kg BBX1518 150 180 1590 722 93 42 BBX1821 180 210 820 1850 840 103 BBX2024 200 240 910 2140 969 138 BBX2024S 200 240 BBX2226 220 260 1000 2300 1040 135 BBX2732 270 320 1200 2810 1280 145 BBX2732S 270 320 1200 2810 1280 140 BBX3542 350 420 BBX4453 440 530 216 BBX5566 550 660 268 BBX6578 650 780 BBX7590 790 900 3400 7860 3560 357 162 Bambi MAX with External PowerFill Snorkel Specifications Not available on models 1518 and 1821 Optimal Fill Bambi MAX Time Sec IMP Gal USGGal Liters BBX2024 34 200 240 910 2190 990 184 83 BBX2024S 3 200 240 910 2190 990 181 82 BBX2226 260 1000 2350 1060 181 82 2732 em 1200 2860 1300 191 BBX2732S 1200 2860 1300 186 BBX3542 420 1600 3710 1680 198 NJ Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version 17 E Te Section 6 Specifications and Parts Capacity and Weight Specifications Bambi MAX with Internal PowerFill Specifications Two or four pumps at 450 GPM Optimal Fill Bambi MAX Ze Capacity Sec imp USG Gal Liters BBX4453PF 2000 4730 2150 BBX5566PF 2500 5870 2670 BBX6578PF BBX7590PF BBXHL4000PF BBXHL5000PF BBXHL7600PF BBXHL9800PF 9800 2240 10200
12. hese characteristics to maximize their assault on the fireline Warning Ensure that ground personnel are clear from the dumping zone Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury Dump Speed Make dumps at slower speeds before progressing to faster dumps to get familiar with the flight characteris tics while dumping from your particular helicopter NJ Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 11 E Te Section 4 Flight Operations Landing Landing The recommended landing procedure is to allow the bucket to touch down ahead of the helicopter and then maintain tension on the suspension lines by backing up slightly Do not drag the Bambi MAX over rough surfaces when landing or ground handling This will damage the bucket shell Caution When the Bambi MAX is taken out of daily operation leave the valve partially open which will extend the life of the seal m Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 12 E Te Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing Section 5 Packing and Storage Packing and Storing Important Note Always leave the valve open 1 to 2 inches as this prevents the bottom seal from collapsing during long periods of storage leading to longer seal life Packing the Bucket 1 Collapse the IDS by pushing the hub into the bucket 2 Grab the head and pull the suspension lines taut Tape the lines together in two bunches Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX
13. icopter which could result in injury or death Overall lengths of Bambi MAX buckets with standard rigging are provided on the next page of this manual Before using the Bambi MAX bucket check for the maximum total length To determine this length meas ure the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on the helicopter you will be using and subtract 6 152 mm To determine overall bucket length Measuring the bucket 1 Stretch out the bucket on the ground pulling the suspension cables taut 2 Measure the distance from the shackle on the head to the bottom of the shell This measurement should be less than the maximum total length as determined with the chart on the next page Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual Version B 5 BUC KE Ts Driven by Innovation Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging Overall Length PowerFill Lengths SANO Ma MOUA Feet Meters Feet Meters BBX1518 BBX1821 BBX2024 20245 2226 2732 542 BBX4453 7 36 BBX 5566 7 64 BBX6578 7 66 BBXHL4000 9 80 BBXHL5000 i i BBXHL7600 10 23 34 3 34 9 Note Specifications subject to change Lengths are accurate to within 1 Important Note A Always measure the overall extended length of your Bambi bucket and B Measure the distance from the belly hook
14. ntact with another conductor or metal object 9 Repair any damage to the components above before operating 10 Inspect the cable connectors for damage and ensure proper connections Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version 2 ET Section 2 Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist FEE Warning Do not put your fingers or other objects into the pump impeller while the pump is running Personal injury or damage to the pump can occur 11 With power on check the function of the pumps by pressing the pump s ON button for four or five seconds The pump should turn on and run for the period the button is held The pump will be audible within a few feet of the bucket Listen for abnormal noises that are not consistent with smooth operation If you are operating in a noisy environment you can confirm that the pump is running by holding your hand on the top of the filter screen You may also see the shell move each time you activate the switch 12 Check the filter screen for debris accumulation and clear as necessary 13 Check the filter screen for signs of damage that may affect water flow m Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version 3 E Te Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Attaching to the Cargo Hook Caution The Bambi MAX may not be suitable for a direct hook up to the cargo hook The actual hook
15. oads to accommodate weight restrictions caused by high elevation operations The Bambi MAX has a gated valve system that allows the pilot to re duce the bucket load By pressing and releasing the dump switch as the bucket is being pulled from the wa ter the bucket weight can be reduced until the desired load is reached as indicated by a load cell or torque gauge As little as 2 can be shed in this manner Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 10 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation Section 4 Flight Operations Dumping the Bucket Dumping the Bucket Introduction To dump water from the bucket push and hold the dump switch As long as the switch is held water will flow from the bucket Release the switch to stop the flow of water The valve may be opened and closed an unlimited number of times allowing the water load to be split into as many parts as desired Important Note If the valve fails to operate it may be due to a jammed condition in the bucket which caused the internal motor protection to trip To reset turn off the power to the bucket circuit wait for 10 sec onds and then turn the power back on and attempt to operate the valve If the problem continues investigate the cause of the jammed condition Dump Pattern The dump pattern is affected by height and airspeed It is most concentrated at lower altitudes and at a hover The pattern will spread with height and speed Most operators take advantage of t
16. rson except the company itself Exclusions 1 This warranty is void if the product is not installed used and or maintained in accordance with the operations manual supplied by SEI m All Bambi buckets are designed and manufactured with substantial safety margins It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the bucket is maintained to a safe standard Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual Version B 19 BUC K E T Driven by Innovation
17. the bucket has been worked on by other people it may have been accidentally positioned wrong Corrections can be made by returning it to its correct position The main parts of the IDS are illustrated in a separate service manual Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual Version B 7 BUC KE Ts Driven by Innovation Section 4 Flight Operations Flying the Bambi MAX Section 4 Flight Operations Flying the Bambi MAX The Bambi MAX should be flown in accordance with the United States Forest Service recommendations limiting all helicopters other than tandem rotor to a maximum 80 KIAS while conducting external cargo hook operations The recommended never exceed speed VNE for the Bambi MAX is 80 KIAS however this is not a flight manual limitation Speeds above 80 KIAS should be approached with caution and any decision to exceed this speed should be based on flight characteristics aircraft flight manual limitations aircraft bucket config uration and load stability etc Any change that exceeds our recommendation should be formally authorized in your company s external load specifications A suggested flight procedure is to build up speed slowly with the Bambi MAX under prevailing conditions to determine a safe maximum flying speed Flying a Bambi bucket with the PowerFill system will not adversely affect the flight characteristics of the bucket The dead weight of the load ensures different handling characteristics than
18. up will be different for various aircraft and operators must comply with all instructions and bulletins supplied by the aircraft manufacturer It is the operator s responsibility to ensure that the Bambi is correctly fitted to the helicopter Head Orientation The Bambi MAX is rigged for a longitudinal cargo hook Correct attachment is indicated when the ballast on the Bambi faces forward in flight Caution It is important that the ballast faces forward in flight This will avoid twisting of the suspension lines For this style of head if using a swivel hook always operate in the locked position to assure that the ballast is always facing forward in flight Bambi 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version B 4 BUCKET Driven by Innovation Section 3 Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Connecting Power The Bambi MAX s electrical supply is connected through a breakaway plug The purpose of the plug is to offer a clean breakaway if the Bambi MAX has to be jettisoned from the aircraft in an emergency If the control cable is not secured to the longline duct tape should be wrapped every 24 36 to prevent any damage to the cable Checking Suspension Cable Length Warning Using a Bambi bucket with a greater overall length than the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on your helicopter could re sult in a tail rotor strike and possible loss of control of the hel
19. when flying empty As a result the Bambi MAX does not pulse or throb under load in flight Important Note Bambi MAX buckets can operate in any atmospheric conditions where icing conditions are not present If icing conditions are encountered during operations in flight or on the ground SEI can not guarantee the reliable operation of the valve actuating mechanisms nor related components Operating the Bambi MAX at 0 C or below may have adverse effects on the operation of the buck et and also to the fabrics used in its manufacture Please refer to this manual for information related to proper storage m am i 2013 Bambi MAX Operations Manual version 8 B T Section 4 Flight Operations Filling the Bambi MAX Filling the Bambi MAX Once the Bambi MAX touches the water surface it immediately tips and sinks This is a result of the ballast on one side of the bucket which makes it unstable on the water Opening the valve will make the bucket sink faster but it should be closed once it is below the surface Warning When filling the Bambi MAX do not execute an abrupt 90 degree pedal turn with the helicopter close to the water while towing the bucket While filling there is a danger that the Bambi MAX suspension lines as with any other external load could get caught on a rear skid resulting in a dy namic rollover on liftout This could cause personal injury and helicopter damage Check the load and suspension ca
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