Abstract

GCI Invention #258-B describes WHIRLYBIRD v3.0, a passive boundary-layer controlled (PBLC) autorotating samara-wing system for ballistic delivery of fire suppressants and precision nutrients in 70+ mph crosswind conditions.

Aerodynamics: Asymmetric high-camber samara wing with spanwise-zoned vortex-grate perforations (root/mid/tip density gradient), geometric twist, and tip micro-tabs for stable LEV, TSR ≈2.2, and 550-650 RPM autorotation. Chordwise stiffness gradient enables passive gust-load shedding (FoS ≥2.5 ultimate, ≥1.5 fatigue). Central high-inertia core provides gyroscopic stability.

Dispersal: RPM-altitude dual-trigger centrifugal release (550-650 RPM + 15m AGL) with internal vanes for 15m uniform ground coverage. Hybrid pellets (outer Purple-K for flame knockdown + inner MAP/polyphosphate for anti-smolder) use bimetallic thermal fuses (250°C micro-crack / 300-320°C full rupture) to target combustion cores.

Deployment: C-130 pallet racks or aerogel-insulated drone swarms with GCI #44 Edge AI digital roping (50m exclusion zones, GPS/thermal SLAM geofencing, traffic-light fail-safes).

Materials: GCI #12 Sanitized Plastic (injection/3D printable, fire-retardant).

Validation Roadmap: CFD/FEA optimization (perforation layout, gust response), ballistic trials, controlled-burn comparisons vs liquid retardants.

Designed for wildfire suppression in inaccessible/high-wind terrain and precision agriculture. CERN-OHL-P v2.0 licensed for open humanitarian deployment. CFD/FEA/CAD prompt included for immediate engineering handover.

Keywords: autorotating samara wing, high-wind fire suppression, vortex boundary-layer control, ballistic suppressant delivery, wildfire precision agriculture, PBLC aerodynamics

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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