Ayles Fernie Launch New Underslung Dispersant Spray System

Ayles Fernie successfully completed testing of their new Aerial Dispersant Spray System over the Moray Firth.

Project Title: Successful testing Aerial Underslung Dispersant Spray System

Products/Services: Aerial Dispersant Spray System

Project Undertaken: July 2022

Industry Sector: Dispersant Spray Systems

Overview

Ayles Fernie, part of the Darcy Group of companies, have recently successfully completed testing of their new Aerial spray system over the Moray Firth in Scotland. The STRATUS is an underslung dispersant spray system which can be operated from any “helicopter of opportunity” equipped with a cargo hook. Carried as an under slung load by a single strop & harness, the system incorporates its own power supply and is controlled via a simple pilot/crew operated control box.

The system can be jettisoned in an emergency and requires no modifications to the helicopter. The STRATUS consists of a lightweight marine grade aluminium dispersant tank and frame which supports an electric start diesel engine, driving a centrifugal pump and a 10m Spray Boom assembly. The outer sections of the boom can be removed, reducing the span to 6m if required. The spray nozzles are fully configurable to provide a wide range of application rates and swath widths to suit almost any spill situation.

The STRATUS Tank has a unique aerodynamic profile to reduce drag, maximising fuel efficiency and transit/spraying speeds. The Mass of the system is carefully controlled to maximise dispersant load, rotorcraft fuel capacity and the stability of the system in flight.

Manufactured from 5083 Aluminium keeps weight to a minimum and the reload time is only 5 minutes with optional ground support pump. Ayles Fernie can currently offer the system in 2000L or 1000L Versions 450kg & 282kg respective empty weights.

The 450 LPM pump is powered by a Yanmar Diesel Engine, the swath width can be configured to give 15m or 30m via maximum of 11 Nozzles with droplet size ranging from 600 to 1300 Microns.

Award-winning product

Our innovative new product was recognised at the 2023 UK and Ireland Spill Association annual awards in two categories.

We won:

Innovation of the Year
Manufacturer of the Year

Congratulations to the whole team involved in this complex project.

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