Minnesota company develops safer water‑scooping system for wildfire aircraft

A Minnesota‑based engineering firm has unveiled a new water‑scooping system for firefighting aircraft designed to improve safety and efficiency during wildfire operations, addressing long‑standing hazards faced by pilots and ground crews.

The system, developed by Momentum Aeronautics, uses a controlled‑flow intake mechanism that allows aircraft to collect water from lakes or reservoirs without the sudden pressure surges that can damage tanks or destabilize flight. Engineers say the technology reduces mechanical stress and minimizes the risk of accidents during low‑altitude scooping runs.

Traditional water‑scooping operations require aircraft to skim the surface at high speed, exposing pilots to turbulence, debris, and unpredictable water conditions. The new design incorporates automated sensors and variable‑pressure valves that adjust flow in real time, enabling smoother fills and faster turnaround times.

Company officials said the system has undergone initial testing in Minnesota and could be integrated into existing amphibious air tankers and retrofit kits for other firefighting aircraft. The innovation comes amid growing demand for aerial firefighting capacity as wildfires intensify across North America.

Regulatory certification and field trials are expected later this year, with deployment planned for the 2027 fire season.

Further Reading:

https://www.momentumaero.com/

https://www.firerescue1.com/wildfire-and-wildland-urban-interface/minn-company-develops-safer-wildfire-aircraft-water-scooping-system

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/st-paul-companys-water-scooping-023839383.html?

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/plane-technology-fire-fight-pilots-minne…?