Pultron Highlights GFRP Pultrusion Battens for Aerial Firefighting Bucket Systems
BY Composights
Published: 16 Jun 2026
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The GFRP battens play a critical role in maintaining the structural stability of the bucket, particularly when it is empty. This helps preserve consistent aerodynamic behaviour during flight and reduces the risk of unstable movement or buffeting caused by rotor wash, which could otherwise affect aircraft control.
They also provide a protective function during ground contact operations. When the buckets are dragged through wooded areas or dense vegetation, the battens help shield the structure from impact damage, deflecting branches and debris that could otherwise weaken or puncture the system.
In demanding field conditions, such as rough landings or repeated contact with rocky riverbeds during water refilling, the battens are engineered to withstand significant mechanical stress, ensuring long service life even under harsh operational use where conventional materials would typically fail.
From a performance standpoint, the resin system used in the GFRP formulation delivers a strong balance of stiffness, durability, and fatigue resistance. This allows the component to maintain high mechanical integrity without introducing unnecessary weight, helping preserve payload efficiency.
Additionally, the material offers strong resistance to chemical exposure and corrosion. This makes it suitable for use with firefighting foams, saltwater, and chlorinated water sources, all of which are commonly encountered in aerial firefighting operations.
Source: Pultron | Blog
