FIRE: Aerial idea has its flaws

In the Aug. 26 “My Turn” column, Mr. Joseph Coomer described a system by which forest fires could be battled by using large wide-body airplanes which have been converted to water tankers. The airplanes would be equipped with a “highly controllable” water cannon able to deliver 5,000 GPM at up to 1,000 PSI while circling at 3,000 feet above the fire.

After reading his claim that this aerial operation would be similar to shooting bullets from a C-130 or an Abrams Tank, a few thoughts came to mind. Water (I assume he means a phosgene mix) weighs 8 pounds per gallon which would give a converted B-747 approximately 6 minutes over target; a DC-10 and other wide bodies would be considerably less. Additionally, it would take a remarkable flight crew; the pilots “circling” in bumpy air and smoke, and the “gunner” staying on target. Seems like a dangerous and expensive way to put out a fire.

HOWARD L. HARDER

Harrison