The HeloPod® is a patented, high-capacity, rigid steel helicopter dip tank and cistern designed for aerial firefighting that is transported intact. It features a built-in automatic 800 GPM fill valve for filling and refilling tank unattended when connected to a hydrant or pressurized water supply. It serves as a reliable, snag-free water source for helicopters using snorkels or Bambi Buckets.
There are (50) deployed as Stationary and (11) staged and ready for Tactical deployment in four states. Primarily California, with additional deployments in Nevada, Oregon, and New Mexico.
There are two configurations: Over 80% percent have been deployed as Stationary (pre-positioned), for long-term placement in high-risk areas before any Fire erupts. Or Tactical (mobile), which is transportable intact by a single person using a F-250 Super-Duty Pick and Tilt Trailer for rapid deployment during emergencies.
They are the same platform. The Stationary model is pre-positioned for “Initial Attack” for immediate use when responding helicopters arrive on scene. The fixed site can be as simple as gravel or placed atop of concrete pads or footings. The same HeloPod can also be used in a Tactical manner, and is fully mobile, transported intact via tilt trailer (weighing under 9,999 lbs. total weight with trailer, towable without a commercial license using a heavy-duty pickup), flatbed tow truck, or even airlifted by helicopter into position in rural locations. With no assembly required and operational within minutes of arrival.
Major users with (multiple units) include Los Angeles County Fire, CAL FIRE, Contra Costa County Fire, Orange County Fire Authority, LADWP, Crescenta Valley Water District, with many with single tanks are Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Ventura County Fire,
The 16’ model holds 3,775 gallons and can be Stationary and/or Tactical . Larger options include the 20’ 6,100 gallons and the 24’ will hold 8,200 gallons capacities. These two larger HeloPod must be transported by a Commercial Driver and Vehicle).
Connect to on-board ,4” high-flow 800 GPM automatic fill valve with float assembly, protected by built-in cabinet and features air-gap spillway. It fills unattended in approximately 4.5–5 minutes. System refills simultaneously while helicopters draw water, making tank capacity secondary to refresh rate. When no water supply is available
The HeloPod® was designed as a Module system. The built-in cabinet stores (2) 3” drafting pumps and equipment. Extra hose and equipment can be loaded into the tank. Use drafting pumps to fill HeloPod from the shallow water. It can be easily re-located by towing or Airlifted into position at the Site.
Yes, The HeloPod® is fully compatible with Bambi Buckets up to 695 gallons (long or short line) as well as snorkels.
Yes, It’s design and patent has standard on-board LED Night Ops Lighting (interior tank and exterior ground illumination), powered by a solar-charged battery. The lights make the tank visible like a “swimming pool” from up to 3.5 miles away, enhancing pilot safety during low-visibility or nighttime firefighting.
Constructed from heavy-gauge steel with an interior epoxy coating, no liners to rip or replace. It includes a built-in protected cabinet for valves, float, and storage (e.g., hoses), three universal drafting ports (up to 3,000 GPM), and wheels for mobility. Designed to withstand rotor wash from Type 1 Helicopters such as FireHawks and VLHTs.
Maintenance is simple: Twice yearly clean inside/outside, check battery/solar panel, test lights/valves, inspect for debris. Annually—check electrical connections, repair coating scratches, verify fittings and inventory. Follow separate winterization procedures for cold climates.
Reduces the “Dip to Drop Time” or cycle time for faster drops (up to 3x more gallons dropped per hour), frees up engine companies/water tenders for frontline duties. supports multiple helicopters or ground engines as a cistern, improves safety with snag-free design and night lighting.
Yes, an optional remote activation system allows control of the fill valve and night lighting via encrypted web portal (cellular or satellite), enabling dispatch or ground crews to activate the tank remotely.
The HeloPod® is manufactured by PumpPod USA in Simi Valley, CA (Patent US 12,365,459 B1). Visit www.pumppodusa.com for details, videos, and specs, or contact them at (844) 766-5763 or info@pumppodusa.com.