Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi MAX Overview (All Models) ....................1 Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist ......................3 Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions ....................5 Attaching to the Cargo Hook ................5 Head Orientation ....................5 Connecting Power ..................6 Checking Suspension Cable Length ..............6 Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging ............7...
Overview (All Models) Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi MAX Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi MAX Overview (All Models) This manual provides helicopter operators with information on the operation of the Bambi MAX as well as for the PowerFill and PowerFill Snor- kel systems.
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SEI Industries Ltd. offers complete parts supply and repair services for the Bambi MAX. For a repair facility in your area, please contact SEI. For maintenance and repair purposes, parts diagrams and descriptions are provided in a separate service manual (specific to your model).
Safety Checklist Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist Along with the aircraft, the Bambi MAX should also receive a preflight inspection each day. Follow the checklist below, beginning at the bottom of the bucket and working upwards. Check the bottom chain looking for any tears in the fabric straps.
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Safety Checklist Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Warning Do not put your fingers or other objects into the pump impeller while the pump is running. Personal injury or damage to the pump can occur. 11. With power on, check the function of the pumps by pressing the pump’s ON button for four or five seconds.
Deployment Instructions Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions Attaching to the Cargo Hook Caution The Bambi MAX may not be suitable for a direct hook-up to the cargo hook. The actual hook-up will be different for various aircraft and operators must comply with all instructions and bulletins supplied by the aircraft manufacturer.
Deployment Instructions Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Connecting Power The Bambi MAX’s electrical supply is connected through a breakaway plug. The purpose of the plug is to offer a clean “breakaway” if the Bambi MAX has to be jettisoned from the aircraft in an emergency. If the control cable is not secured to the longline, duct tape should be wrapped every 24-36"...
Instant Deployment System (IDS) Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Shorter Suspension Cables If the overall length of the Bambi bucket exceeds the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor of the helicopter, shorter suspension lines and deployment lines must be used and can be ordered from SEI.
Flying the Bambi MAX Section 4: Flight Operations Section 4: Flight Operations Flying the Bambi MAX The Bambi MAX should be flown in accordance with the United States Forest Service recommendations limiting all helicopters, other than tandem rotor, to a maximum 80 KIAS while conducting external cargo hook operations.
To fill the bucket from an open top tank, you will require a tank with a recommended depth as shown in the chart below: Bambi Height Required Tank Height Bambi Max Model Inches Metric Inches Metric BBX1518 39” 1.00 48” 1.22 BBX1821 41” 1.04 56”...
Filling the Bambi MAX Section 4: Flight Operations Filling the Bambi MAX with the PowerFill System Initiating a fill with the PowerFill is simple and can be quickly mastered. Operation of the pump(s) is ac- complished by simply pressing the fill button for as long as it takes to fill the bucket. There are a few key points to keep in mind: •...
Dumping the Bucket Section 4: Flight Operations Dumping the Bucket Introduction To dump water from the bucket, push and hold the dump switch. As long as the switch is held, water will flow from the bucket. Release the switch to stop the flow of water. The valve may be opened and closed an unlimited number of times allowing the water load to be split into as many parts as desired.
Landing Section 4: Flight Operations Landing The recommended landing procedure is to allow the bucket to touch down ahead of the helicopter and then maintain tension on the suspension lines by backing up slightly. Do not drag the Bambi MAX over rough surfaces when landing or ground handling.
Packing and Storing Section 5: Packing and Storage Section 5: Packing and Storage Packing and Storing Important Note Always leave the valve open 1 to 2 inches as this prevents the bottom seal from collapsing during long periods of storage, leading to longer seal life. Packing the Bucket Collapse the IDS by pushing the hub into the bucket.
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Packing and Storing Section 5: Packing and Storage Insert the operations manual into the storage bag. Gather the suspension lines into a coil and stow inside the bucket. Place the head outside of the bucket to prevent the possibility of the lines tangling.
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Packing and Storing Section 5: Packing and Storage Roll the bucket into a bundle and wrap with straps supplied. Rotate shell until head is under the shell. Take the carrying bag and drape it over the bucket. 2016 Bambi MAX Operations Manual We Engineer Solutions (Version C)
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Packing and Storing Section 5: Packing and Storage Roll the bucket over and insert the manual. 10. Close with zipper and store with label showing. The Bambi MAX carrying bag makes a suitable shipping container when shipping via airfreight. Because of the compactness of the Bambi, many operators carry it aboard the helicopter, at all times, during the fire season.
Section 6: Specifications and Parts Section 6: Specifications and Parts Capacity and Weight Specifications Bambi MAX Specifications Bambi Max Model Capacity Gross Weight Empty Weight Imp Gal US Gal Liters BBX1518 1590 BBX1821 1850 BBX2024 2140 BBX2024S 2140 BBX2226 1000...
Capacity and Weight Specifications Section 6: Specifications and Parts Bambi MAX with Internal PowerFill Specifications * Two or four pumps at 450 GPM. Optimal Fill Empty Gross Weight Time Capacity Weight Bambi MAX (Sec.) IMP Gal USG Gal Liters BBX4453PF 2000 4730 2150...
Section 7: Warranty Section 7: Warranty SEI Industries Ltd. (the company) agrees to grant a warranty for a period of one year from the date of purchase of Bam- bi bucket systems on the following conditions: a) The company’s sole obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at the company’s sole discre- tion, any product shown to be defective.
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