Description
The plastic sphere dispenser (PSD) is installed in the passenger
compartment of a helicopter and dispenses plastic spheres out the door
opening of the aircraft. The plastic spheres contain potassium permanganate
and are injected with ethylene glycol (antifreeze) by the PSD before
being discharged. A chemical reaction between the potassium permanganate
and ethylene glycol causes the sphere to ignite approximately 20
to 30 seconds after injection. The PSD is the best choice for under
burning and for burning light fuels when fuel conditions are good.
The PSD is faster and easier to use than the helitorch but is not
as effective in heavy fuels or marginal fuel conditions. An operator
controls the PSD from the back seat of the aircraft. A burn boss
oversees burning operations from the front seat. |