Interagency Aviation Tech Bulletin 24-02 Dragon Egg Plastic Sphere Devices

· DOI Office of Aviation Services · 2024

Public domain · DOI Office of Aviation ServicesAviation Safety Documents

Overview

The Interagency Aviation Tech Bulletin 24-02 Dragon Egg Plastic Sphere Devices () is a public-domain DOI Office of Aviation Services aviation safety document, republished here as a free chaptered HTML edition with a linked table of contents and the official PDF.

Publisher: DOI Office of Aviation Services
Document
Year: 2024
Pages: 1

Key points

The UAS Ignis Payload and SEI Red Dragon utilize SEI Dragon Egg plastic spheres, which have raised concerns regarding rapid reaction times.
Replacement of affected Dragon Eggs is currently on hold while investigations into the reaction times are ongoing.
Testing indicates that reducing glycol content to 0.1 ml can effectively slow down reaction times for the Ignis payload.
A 50/50 mixture of water and glycol has also shown to delay the reaction for the Ignis payload.
Users are advised to bench test each new box or unit to ensure safety and reliability.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main concern regarding the Dragon Egg plastic spheres?

The main concern is the rapid reaction times of the Dragon Egg plastic spheres, which have been reported during the 2023 field season.

What is the current status of the replacement for affected Dragon Eggs?

Replacement of affected Dragon Eggs is on hold pending further investigation into the reasons behind the reaction times.

How can the reaction time for the Ignis payload be slowed down?

Testing results suggest that reducing the glycol content to as low as 0.1 ml or using a 50/50 mixture of water and glycol can effectively slow down the reaction time.

What should users do with new boxes or units of Dragon Eggs?

It is recommended that users bench test each new box or unit as needed to ensure safety and reliability.

Who can I contact for more information regarding this bulletin?

Questions can be directed to Josh Ingle or Kelly Boyd, whose contact information is provided in the bulletin.

Document

Interagency Aviation

T ECH BULLETIN

No. IA TB 2 4 - 0 2 May 9 , 2024 Page 1 of 1 Subject: Dragon Egg Plastic Sphere Devices Area of Concern: UAS Operations Distribution: All Plastic Sphere Dispenser Users The UAS Ignis Payload and the SEI Red Dragon utilize SEI Dragon Egg plastic spheres. Recent reports have highlighted concerns of rapid reaction times that lead to V olatile effects. All reports this field season have reported 2023 lot numbers. SEI is actively addressing this issue in collaboration with Drone Amplified to find a resolution.

SEI has reported this is a separate issue in IA TB 24 - 01 Plastic Aerial Ignition Spheres with Energetic Reactions , although the behavior is similar.

Key points to note: • Field Support Services and Type One Incident Support (the distributors of Dragon Eggs) are fully aw are of the situation and actively assisting with the resolution process.

• Replacement of affected Dragon Eggs is currently on hold, pending further investigation. The specific reasons behind the reaction times are still being determined.

• Testing results indicate that reducing the glycol content to as low as 0.1 ml can effectively slow down the reaction time for the Ignis payload .

• Additionally, a 50/50 mixture of water and glycol has demonstrated similar effects in delaying the reaction for the Ign is payload .

• It is recommended to bench test each new box or unit as needed to ensure safety and reliability.

For tracking purposes, please report lot numbers and manufacturer dates via Dragon Egg Reporting Form .

Contacts: Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to: Josh Ingle, USFS National Helicopter Program Manager/ Aerial Ignition, cell: (406) 558 - 9690, email: joshua.ingle@usda.gov . or Kelly Boyd, USFS National UAS Aerial Ignition Specialist, cell: (970) 628 - 6631, email: kelly.boyd@usda.gov .

/s/ Brad Koeckeritz /s/ Beau Dobberstein Brad Koeckeritz Beau Dobberstein Chief, Division of Un crewed Rotor Wing Branch Chief Aircraft Systems USDA, Forest Service DOI, Office of Aviation Services