STRATUS Soars: Ayles Fernie Completes Successful Test of New Helicopter-Mounted Spray System

Successful Testing Over the Moray Firth

Ayles Fernie, part of the Darcy Group of companies, have recently completed testing of their new aerial spray system over the Moray Firth Scotland. The STRATUS is an underslung dispersant spray system which can be operated from any “helicopter of opportunity” which is equipped with a cargo hook.  Carried as an under-slung load by a single strop harness, the system incorporates its own power supply and is controlled via a simple pilot/crew-operated control box.

Optimised for Performance and Efficiency

The system can be jettisoned in an emergency and requires no modifications to the helicopter. The STRATUS consists of a lightweight marine-grade aluminium dispersant tank and frame which supports an electric start diesel engine, driving a centrifugal pump and a 10m Spray Boom assembly. The outer sections of the boom can be removed, reducing the span to 6m if required. The spray nozzles are fully configurable to provide a wide range of application rates and swath widths to suit almost any spill situation. The STRATUS Tank has a unique aerodynamic profile to reduce drag, maximising fuel efficiency and transit/spraying speeds. The mass of the system is carefully controlled to maximise dispersant load, rotorcraft fuel capacity and the stability of the system in flight.

Technical Specifications and Customisation Options

Manufactured from 5083 Aluminium keeps weight to a minimum and the reload time is only 5 minutes with optional ground support pump. Ayles Fernie can currently offer the system in 2000 litre or 1000 litre versions, 450kg & 282kg respective empty weights. The 450 LPM pump is powered by a Yanmar Diesel Engine, the swath width can be configured to give 15m or 30m via maximum of 11 Nozzles with droplet size ranging from 600 to 1300 Microns.