Cascade Bucket for Firefighting
Key facts:
- Standard mulit-drop valve for controlled, repeateble releases
- No adjustment valve concept with minimal failure points and simple annual maintenance
- Fast dip-fill via free-motion valve opening (no special dip technique required)
- Optional Powerfill pumps for shallow-water refills (AC 400 Hz or 28VDC options)
- Collapsible, compact frame for easier transport and storage
-> Click here to watch the Cascade Bucket Video
- Robustly built construction
Overview
The Cascade Aerial Firefighting Bucket is designed for efficient aerial fire attack with a focus on reliability, predictable handling, and speed. Its purpose-built valve is engineered to deliver consistent drops without ongoing adjustments, supporting operators when turnaround time and mission reliability matter.
Why it performs in the real world
- Predictable handling and stable flight characteristics help crews fly confidently in demanding conditions.
- Multi-drop functionality is standard, allowing controlled releases and improved drop placement.
- Fas dip cycles: the free-motion valve automatically opens to letz the bucket sink and fill quickly, reducing pilot workload and shortening the time between drops.
- Consistent drop pattern: the design and valve system produce dense, repeatable coverage to improve suppression effectiveness.
Power requirements
- Valve actuator
- Approx. 35 A @ 28 VDC
- Powerfill (optional)
- AC (400 Hz): up to 6'050 liter per minute, approx. 35 A draw, with weight advantage
- 28 VDC: up to 4'160 liter per minute
Powerfill (optional)
For operations requiring shallow-water refilling, the Cascade provides high-performance Powerfill pump option, delivering fast and reliable refill rates in demanding environments.
Built for operations and logistics
Cascade's collapsible top frame supports compact storage and easier transport while retaining durability for sustained firefighting use.
The bucket features lightweight, high-strength synthetic rigging and is fully manufactured in Oregon, USA.
The unique Cascade design is protected by multiply patents, underlining its proven and differentiated engineering approach.
Storage and ground transportation
The Cascade Bucket’s collapsible, compact frame significantly reduces volume for storage and simplifies ground handling and transport between missions. Its durable design ensures it can be deployed quickly from vehicles or staging areas with minimal setup time, making it an efficient solution for operational logistics.
An optional transport cart further improves mobility on the ground and enables efficient repositioning by a small crew.
Products status
Available in multiple sizes, with optional Powerfill configurations (AC 400 Hz or 28 VDC)
Manufacturing
Fully manufactered in Oregon, USA.
Swiss Rotor Service is the official Cascade representative for sales and technical support in Europe.
Operational compliance
Certification/approval requirements depend on the aircraft, authority, and operator configurations (external laod procedures, equipment lists, and operational manuals).
Swiss Rotor Service supports European operators with documentation, configuration guidance, and coordination as required.
Step 1: Request a Quote
We assess your helicopter type, hook configuration, and operational requirements (capacity, Powerfill option, rigging length) to define the appropriate Cascade setup.
Step 2: Configuration and Technical Coordination
Final configuration is confirmed (bucket size, electrical interface, optional Powerfill AC 400 Hz or 28 VDC).
Electrical and hook compatibility are verified to ensure seamless integration with your aircraft.
Step 3: Delivery
The delivery includes
- Bucket Assembly with collapsible top frame
- Multi-drop valve system (standard) with electric linear valve actuation (approx. 35 A @ 28 VDC actuator draw)
- Synthetic rigging (lightweight, high-strength)
- Optional Powerfill kit (AC 400 Hz or 28 VCD pump configuration)
- Basic documentation and support package (operation + maintenance guidance)
Step 4: Installation and Commissioning
Installation on the cargo hook and electrical connection to the aircraft release/control system.
Functional ground check and operational briefing prior to first mission.
Ongoing Support
We are available before, during and after installation.
Maintenance
No complex maintenance program required.
Integrated into standard inspection routines.
Simple annual inspection and routine wear checks according to the maintenance manual.
What is "multi-drop" and is it standard on Cascade?
Multi-drop means you can release in controlled portions rather than one full drop. Yes, it is standard on Cascade.
When should I choose a Powerfill system?
Choose Powerfill if you operate in areas with shallow water sources or firefighting water tanks.
Powerfill supports high flow rates even in very shallow water (as low as ~45 cm)
How is storage and transport handled?
Cascade uses a collapsible top frame to reduce volume for transport, storage, and ground handling.
In the folded configuration, the 4'000lt bucket can, for example, be transported inside the aircraft cabin of Super Puma helicopter.
An optional transport cart is available to facilitate safe and efficient ground movement between storage and deployment areas.
Do Pilots need special dip-fill technique or training?
No special dip technique is required. The free-motion valve opens automatically to allow rapid sink and refill during the dip.
The Cascade refill technic is a vertical dip. Due to its high lower weight, the bucket sinks very quickly, and refilling can be accomplished in under 30 seconds (depending on 400 Hz or 28 VDC pump).
How does the multiple drop-technic work?
The Pilot presses the load drop button to open the valve; when the button is released, the valve closes.
What maintenance is required?
The design targets simple, modular maintenance with annual maintenance only in typical use, and valve concept intended to run without ongoing adjustment.
