SEI Industries BAMBI MAX BBX1518 User manual

2016 VERSION C
BAMBI MAX
(ALL MODELS)
OPERATIONS
MANUAL

2016 Bambi MAX Operations Manual (Version C)
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BAMBI MAX OPERATIONS MANUAL - Version C
Issue Date: November 2016
PLEASE READ BEFORE USING.
SEI INDUSTRIES LTD.
7400 Wilson Avenue
Delta, B.C. Canada
V4G 1H3
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.sei-ind.com
USA Patent # 9,265,977
Australia Patent Pending
Canada Patent Pending
COPYRIGHT © 2016 SEI INDUSTRIES LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN CANADA

2016 Bambi MAX Operations Manual (Version C)
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Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi MAX 1
Overview (All Models) ...................................................................................................1
Section 2: Preflight Safety Check 3
Safety Checklist ............................................................................................................3
Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket 5
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
Shorter Suspension Cables ............................................................................7
Instant Deployment System (IDS) ................................................................................8
Section 4: Flight Operations 9
Flying the Bambi MAX ..................................................................................................9
Filling the Bambi MAX ................................................................................................10
Filling the Bambi MAX with PowerFill System .............................................................11
Variable Fill Capability ..................................................................................11
Dumping the Bucket ...................................................................................................12
Introduction ...................................................................................................12
Dump Pattern ...............................................................................................12
Dump Speed .................................................................................................12
Landing .......................................................................................................................13
Section 5: Packing and Storage 14
Packing and Storing ...................................................................................................14
Packing the Bucket .......................................................................................14
Section 6: Specifications and Parts 18
Capacity and Weight Specifications ...........................................................................18
Bambi MAX Specifications ...........................................................................18
Bambi MAX with External PowerFill Snorkel Specifications..........................18
Bambi MAX with Internal PowerFill Specifications........................................19
Section 7: Warranty 20

Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi MAX Overview (All Models)
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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. For service and maintenance infor-
mation, please refer to the separate service
manual for your specific model number.
Since its introduction in 1983, the Bambi Bucket
has become the preferred means of helicopter fire
fighting for more than 600 companies and agen-
cies worldwide.
This universal industry acceptance is the result of
the Bambi Bucket’s effectiveness, reliability,
simplicity and ease of use. There are several
models of buckets available as well as a number
of accessories including the PowerFill systems
and the Bambi Power Pack.
The operation of the Bambi MAX can be quickly mastered by operators with no previous experience and
the bucket requires no pre-assembly. Once airborne, the operator can easily become familiar with the flight
characteristics of the bucket. Several test fills will also provide familiarity with the variable filling and
dumping capabilities of the bucket.
Bambi MAX inside bucket.
Bambi MAX 16" ValveBambi MAX 25" Valve

Section 1: Introduction to the Bambi MAX Overview (All Models)
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Please read this manual prior to flying the bucket, particularly the sections on deploying, filling and dump-
ing. For your own protection, and for longer bucket life, always read the instructions and warnings. Ignor-
ing these warnings could result in personal injury, bucket damage or aircraft damage.
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). When ordering parts, please provide the
model and serial number of your Bambi MAX.
For more copies of this manual, please contact SEI or visit our website at www.bambibucket.com for more
information on these products.

Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist
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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.
1. Check the bottom chain looking for any tears in the fabric straps. Also, check the lockwire or tie
wraps on the shackles.
2. Check for loose bolts around the bucket shell; IDS brackets at the top, the wear strips at the bottom
and bottom rings.
3. Check the diagonal M-straps that connect the suspension cables to the top of the bucket, looking
for signs of wear or incorrect suspension line connections.
4. Check the suspension cables for frays, kinks or loose swages.
5. Check that the ballast is securely attached. Full ballast is essential for safe operations.
6. Check the head for secure shackles.
7. Once the Bambi MAX is hooked-up to 28V power, activate the valve several times to ensure that
the hook-up is correct.
8. If a PowerFill system is installed, inspect the conductor wires for damage, chaffing or wear. Con-
firm that the conductor cables are firmly secured.
• For PowerFill Snorkel, the wires should be attached to the nearest suspension line.
• For PowerFill (internal), the wires are attached to the IDS deployment cable.
• If a long line is used, the wires should be attached to this line also.
9. Repair any damage to the components above before operating.
10. Inspect the cable connectors for damage and ensure proper connections.
Warning
Do not operate with damaged cables. Damage to an electrical cable, that leaves the conductor ex-
posed, can result in a fire if it comes in contact with another conductor or metal object.

Section 2: Preflight Safety Check Safety Checklist
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11. With power on, check the function of the pumps by pressing the pump’s ON button for four or five
seconds. The pump should turn on and run for the period the button is held. The pump will be
audible within a few feet of the bucket. Listen for abnormal noises that are not consistent with
smooth operation. If you are operating in a noisy environment, you can confirm that the pump is
running by holding your hand on the top of the filter screen. You may also see the shell move each
time you activate the switch.
12. Check the filter screen for debris accumulation and clear as necessary.
13. Check the filter screen for signs of damage that may affect water flow.
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.

Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
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Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket
Deployment Instructions
Attaching to the Cargo Hook
Head Orientation
The Bambi MAX is rigged for a longitudinal cargo hook. Correct attachment is indicated when the ballast
on the Bambi faces forward in flight.
For this style of head, if using a swivel hook, always op-
erate in the locked position to assure that the ballast is al-
ways facing forward in flight.
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. It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the Bambi
MAX is correctly fitted to the helicopter.
Caution
It is important that the ballast faces forward in flight. This will avoid twisting of the suspension
lines.

Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
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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" to prevent any damage
to the cable.
Checking Suspension Cable Length
Overall lengths of Bambi MAX buckets with standard rigging are provided on the next page of this manual.
Before using the Bambi MAX bucket, check for the maximum total length. To determine this length, meas-
ure the distance from the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on the helicopter you will be using and
subtract 6” (152 mm). To determine overall bucket length:
1. Stretch out the bucket on the ground, pulling the suspension cables taut.
2. Measure the distance from the shackle on the head to the bottom of the shell. This measurement
should be less than the maximum total length as determined with the chart on the next page.
Warning
Using a Bambi bucket with a greater overall length than the distance from
the cargo hook to the front tip of the tail rotor on your helicopter could re-
sult in a tail rotor strike and possible loss of control of the helicopter which
could result in injury or death.
Measuring the bucket.

Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Deployment Instructions
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Overall Lengths with Standard Rigging
Overall Length PowerFill Lengths
Bambi Max Model
Feet Meters Feet Meters
BBX1518 13’ 5” 4.08
BBX1821 13’ 7” 4.14
BBX2024 16’ 7” 5.05
BBX2024S 12’ 4” 3.76
BBX2226 13’ 0” 3.96
BBX2732 19’ 11”
6.07
BBX2732S 12’ 2” 3.71
BBX3542 20’ 9” 6.32
No Change
BBX4453 23’ 8” 7.21 24’ 2” 7.36
BBX5566 24’ 7” 7.49 25’ 1” 7.64
BBX6578 25’ 1” 7.63 25’ 3” 7.66
BBX7590 30’ 6” 9.30 31’ 0” 7.78
BBXHL4000 31’ 8” 9.65 32’ 4” 9.80
BBXHL5000 32’ 0” 9.75 32’ 6” 9.90
BBXHL7600 33’ 1” 10.08 33’ 7” 10.23
BBXHL9800 34’ 3” 10.44 34’ 9” 10.59
Note:Specificationssubjectto change.Lengthsareaccurate
to within 1%.
Not Available
Important Note
A) Always measure the overall extended length of your Bambi bucket.
and
B) Measure the distance from the belly hook to the closest possible
point on the tail rotor.
"B" must always exceed "A" by at least six (6) inches.
Important Note
It is recommended that operators, who choose to use the Bambi bucket with a longline, ensure that
the longline is at least 50’ long.

Section 3: Deploying the Bambi Bucket Instant Deployment System (IDS)
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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. Please specify the model and serial number when ordering parts.
Instant Deployment System (IDS)
The instant deployment system uses a hub and
spoke mechanism to automatically expand the
mouth of the bucket as soon as the weight of the
Bambi MAX is taken up by the suspension ca-
bles.
When the bucket is full, the IDS deployment ca-
ble and hub restrainer cables should be slack as
they should not bear any load.
Their function is to position the hub and spoke
mechanism to hold the bucket open.
To deploy the IDS on the ground, reach into the
bucket, grasp the hub of the IDS and pull out-
ward fully until the two restraining cables from the hub to the lower bucket shell are tight.
The IDS is normally set to the last chain link by the factory which is its correct position but, if the bucket
has been worked on by other people, it may have been accidentally positioned wrong. Corrections can be
made by returning it to its correct position.
The main parts of the IDS are illustrated in a separate service manual.
Correct IDS position.

Section 4: Flight Operations Flying the Bambi MAX
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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.
The recommended never exceed speed (VNE) for the Bambi MAX is 80 KIAS, however, this is not a flight
manual limitation. Speeds above 80 KIAS should be approached with caution and any decision to exceed
this speed should be based on flight characteristics, aircraft flight manual limitations, aircraft/bucket config-
uration and load stability, etc.
Any change that exceeds our recommendation should be formally authorized in your company’s external
load specifications.
A suggested flight procedure is to build up speed slowly with the Bambi MAX, under prevailing conditions,
to determine a safe maximum flying speed.
Flying a Bambi bucket with the PowerFill system will not adversely affect the flight characteristics of the
bucket.
The dead weight of the load ensures different handling characteristics than when flying empty. As a result,
the Bambi MAX does not ‘pulse’ or ‘throb’ under load in flight.
Important Note
Bambi MAX buckets can operate in any atmospheric conditions where icing conditions are not
present. If icing conditions are encountered during operations, in flight or on the ground, SEI can-
not guarantee the reliable operation of the valve actuating mechanisms nor related components.
Operating the Bambi MAX at 0°C or below may have adverse effects on the operation of the buck-
et and also to the fabrics used in its manufacture. Please refer to this manual for information related
to proper storage.

Section 4: Flight Operations Filling the Bambi MAX
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Filling the Bambi MAX
Once the Bambi MAX touches the water surface, it immediately tips and sinks. This is a result of the ballast
on one side of the bucket which makes it unstable on the water. Opening the valve will make the bucket
sink faster but it should be closed once it is below the surface.
To fill the bucket from an open top tank, you will require a tank with a recommended depth as shown in the
chart below:
NOTE: This table does not apply if you are using a PowerFill system. In that case, a water depth of 18"
(46cm) can be used to fill the bucket.
Warning
When filling the Bambi MAX, do not execute an abrupt 90 degree pedal turn with the helicopter
close to the water while towing the bucket. While filling, there is a danger that the Bambi MAX
suspension lines (as with any other external load) could get caught on a rear skid resulting in a dy-
namic rollover on liftout. This could cause personal injury and helicopter damage. Check the load
and suspension cables with your mirrors before liftout.
Bambi Height Required Tank Height
Bambi Max Model
Inches Metric Inches Metric
BBX1518 39” 1.00 48” 1.22
BBX1821 41” 1.04 56” 1.45
BBX2024 43” 1.09 58” 1.52
BBX2226 44” 1.10 60” 1.52
BBX2732 48” 1.22 60” 1.52
BBX3542 57” 1.45 78” 2.04
BBX4453 57” 1.45 78” 2.04
BBX5566 62” 1.57 84” 3.05
BBX6578 67” 1.70 90” 3.05
BBX7590 73” 1.85 96” 3.05
BBXHL4000 75” 1.90 96” 3.05
BBXHL5000 80” 2.03 110” 3.05
BBXHL7600 95” 2.41 120” 3.05
BBXHL9800 106” 2.70 120” 3.05

Section 4: Flight Operations Filling the Bambi MAX
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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:
• To initiate a fill, the pump impeller must be immersed. It may not be possible to fill from
water sources less than 18" (46cm) deep.
• Once a fill has been started, the bucket will need to be supported by maintaining some
tension on the suspension lines, particularly when the bucket is nearly full. If the bucket
is not supported, the flexible nature of the bucket shell may allow it to collapse to one
side as the water load increases.
• Once a fill has been started, the bucket can be raised or lowered, relative to the water line,
without losing the prime.
• Frothing of the water or slow fill rate indicates the pump is not submerged for enough to
maintain prime.
• The further the bottom of the bucket can be lowered into the water source, the faster the
bucket will fill.
• Where possible, employ a partial dip fill, augmented by the pump, to reduce the total fill
time.
• It is recommended that the pump not be run when a conventional dip fill is possible.
• Do not run the pump if it is submerged to a depth of 10 feet (3 m) or more.
• Do not submerge the bucket to a depth of more than 20 feet (6.1 m) when performing
conventional dip fills (pump off) in deep water sources.
• The filter screen is designed to filter out objects large enough to damage the pump impel-
ler and to prevent weeds and debris from clogging the pump intake. If operating the
pump in extremely dirty or swampy water sources, more frequent inspections of the
pump impeller and filter screen may be required to maintain optimal function.
• The pump can be run dry without damage. However, maximum life can be obtained from
the pump motor if the run time is limited only to filling the bucket. Excessive run time
will require more frequent lubrication of the pump output shaft. See the service manual
for the lubrication procedure.
Variable Fill Capability
In some areas, fire conditions require the reduction of bucket loads to accommodate weight restrictions
caused by high elevation operations. The Bambi MAX has a gated valve system that allows the pilot to re-
duce the bucket load. By pressing and releasing the dump switch as the bucket is being pulled from the wa-
ter, the bucket weight can be reduced until the desired load is reached as indicated by a load cell or torque
gauge. As little as 2% can be shed in this manner.

Section 4: Flight Operations Dumping the Bucket
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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.
Dump Pattern
The dump pattern is affected by height and airspeed. It is most concentrated at lower altitudes and at a hover.
The pattern will spread with height and speed. Most operators take advantage of these characteristics to
maximize their assault on the fireline.
Dump Speed
Make dumps at slower speeds before progressing to faster dumps to get familiar with the flight characteris-
tics, while dumping, from your particular helicopter.
Important Note
If the valve fails to operate, it may be due to a jammed condition in the bucket which caused the
internal motor protection to trip. To reset, turn off the power to the bucket circuit, wait for 10 sec-
onds and then turn the power back on, and attempt to operate the valve. If the problem continues,
investigate the cause of the jammed condition.
Warning
Ensure that ground personnel are clear from the dumping zone. Failure to do so could result in
serious personal injury.

Section 4: Flight Operations Landing
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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. This will damage the bucket shell.
Caution
When the Bambi MAX is taken out of daily operation, leave the valve partially open which will
extend the life of the seal.

Section 5: Packing and Storage Packing and Storing
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Section 5: Packing and Storage
Packing and Storing
Packing the Bucket
1. Collapse the IDS by pushing the hub into the
bucket.
2. Grab the head and pull the suspension lines taut.
Tape the lines together in two bunches.
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.

Section 5: Packing and Storage Packing and Storing
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3. Insert the operations manual into the storage bag.
4. 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.
5. Place the head on top of the collapsed bucket.

Section 5: Packing and Storage Packing and Storing
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6. Roll the bucket into a bundle and wrap
with straps supplied.
7. Rotate shell until head is under the shell.
8. Take the carrying bag and drape it over
the bucket.

Section 5: Packing and Storage Packing and Storing
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9. 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. This allows for rapid deployment when required.