Aerial saw carried by helicopter trims trees

I have seen videos previously of this contraption used for trimming trees from a helicopter, but these are better than some. Haverfield Aviation and Heli-Dunn use the 20-foot long side-trimming saw to prune trees along powerline and gas line right-of-ways. They said it is powered by a compact fuel injected engine and is able to side-trim a path of vegetation an average of three miles per day on both sides.

aerial saw taking off
Haverfield’s aerial saw being lifted off

It seems that the pilot, in addition to having to have cojones of steel flying adjacent to a power line, would have to have exceptional depth perception to be sure the saw does not drag on the ground, since hitting dirt or especially a rock, would instantly dull the blade.

I’m not sure if this would be feasible to be used on fires if it can only side-trim the branches on trees. Maybe it could widen an established fuel break by 10 to 15 feet on each side.

Thanks go out to Chuck

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