The Critical Role of GFRP Battens in Aerial Forest Firefighting Buckets

Pultron's GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) composite battens are essential components in these next-generation, sophisticated Cloudburst Fire Buckets (monsoon buckets) used by helicopter-based aerial firefighters. Pultron's specialised battens provide crucial structural support and improve durability in one of the most demanding applications imaginable – aerial wildfire suppression.

Safety is a critical factor in the design of the buckets, which are used in highly stressful, dangerous conditions.

Why Pultron's GFRP Battens Are Used

• Flight Safety – Most importantly, the battens maintain the bucket's shape when empty. This ensures stable flight dynamics and prevents dangerous buffeting from rotor wash that could destabilise the aircraft.
• Puncture Protection – They protect buckets from damage when dragged through trees during operations, deflecting glancing blows from sticks and branches that would otherwise compromise the bucket's integrity.
• Extreme Durability – The battens withstand hard landings and the rigours of being dragged over rocks in riverbeds during refilling operations – conditions that would quickly destroy conventional materials.
• Lightweight Strength – Our resin formulation delivers superior robustness and fatigue resistance compared to standard resins, providing the strength and stiffness needed without adding excessive weight that would limit payload capacity.
• Chemical and Corrosion Resistance – GFRP is inherently resistant to the chemicals and foam additives used in firefighting operations, as well as salt water and chlorinated water sources commonly used to fill buckets.
  
  

 
Why IMS Began Using GFRP Composite Battens

IMS is committed to supplying the highest-quality equipment and is always looking for improvements to its offerings. They understand the difficulties and dangers of firefighting from helicopters, and that improvements to equipment make the job safer and more efficient.

IMS's buckets equipped with Pultron's battens serve firefighting operations worldwide, wherever forest fires threaten communities and helicopters are deployed for control and suppression.

About IMS: IMS New Zealand Limited is a family-owned company based in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and a world leader in helicopter equipment. With deep roots in engineering and aviation, IMS has manufactured Cloudburst Fire Buckets since 2005 – the preferred aerial firefighting solution for military and civilian operations globally. Driven by a commitment to innovation, safety, and continuous product development, IMS operates with worldwide representation and a 24/7 support network serving operators across many territories.