Patent ID: 6209593
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
A pumping system for a helicopter tanker adapted for drawing from a body of water to fill an onboard holding tank of the helicopter, comprising:an elongate tubular snorkel having an upper end connectable to an inlet of the holding tank and an opposite lower end;an axial flow electric pump having a generally tubular pump housing extending along a central axis between an open upper end mountable on said lower end of said snorkel and an opposite open lower end serving as an inlet of said pump, an in-line electric motor supported within said housing along said axis, an output drive shaft extending from said motor along said axis, an impeller mounted on said shaft for driven rotation therewith, a filter screen basket mounted said lower end of said housing to filter water drawn into said housing through said lower end thereof, an electric power cable extending from said motor through a said housing, and a cable guard comprising a metal conduit coupled in water-tight relation to said motor at a lower end thereof and extending therefrom through said housing to an opposite end external of said housing and accommodating a lower section of said power cord external of said housing for protecting said lower section from damage due to impact with foreign objects during use.