Air Operations Fire Bombing Fire Bombing can be conducted from helicopters or fixed wing aircraft. Helicopters deliver retardant by the use of a tank attacked to the belly of the aircraft or a bucket suspended by cables attached to the cargo hook.
Aircraft use either short or long term retardants.
Once the water evaporates the retarding action ends. Short term retardants are usually applied directly to the fire. Long term retardants not only coat the fuel, therefore acting as a physical barrier, but also contain a chemical which alters the combustion process to retard the fire chemically. The dry powder products are mixed with water to form a slurry. Multiple Engine Firebombers Multiple Engine Firebombers have seen wide spread service overseas.