Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Guardian CAFFS?

The Guardian Containerized Aerial Fire-Fighting System (“CAFFS”) is a container constructed from corrugated fiberboard, engineered for aerial deployment in firefighting operations. The container has a cubic design, with dimensions optimized for transport in cargo aircraft, and can hold up to 264 gallons (1,000 liters) of liquid in a 2-ply polyethylene bladder. The system does not contain any metal components or pyrotechnic devices, and utilizes nylon and polymer elements to facilitate deployment of its payloads when air dropped during firefighting missions.

  • Assembled, empty, unit weight: 110 pounds
  • Assembled unit dimensions: 48 inch x 48 inch x 45 inch (Length x Width x Height)
    Maximum unit weight including fill material: 2,200 pounds
  • Maximum unit contents capacity: 264 US Gallons / 1,000 Liters (water)

The Guardian CAFFS follows standard Container Delivery System (“CDS”) procedures.  Each Guardian is loaded in the cargo space of an aircraft and dropped via the rear ramp of the aircraft during flight.  After leaving the aircraft, the patented design of the Guardian System activates in the slipstream and rapidly deploys the contents.  This provides a precision “rain” effect on the targeted area.

  1. High altitude deployment – the custom rigging of the Guardian allows it to consistently and reliably deploy approximately 200 feet below the aircraft. This allows the aircraft to fly higher and faster than traditional air tanker systems.
  2. Durability and strength– the Guardian has been tested and certified by the U.S. Air Force to protect the crew and aircraft from the hazards of the payload. Each Guardian is specifically manufactured without seams, and the box has redundant layers of strength in the 8 ply construction, to withstand excessive movement inside of the aircraft.
  3. Standard CDS protocol – the Guardian is designed to follow standard Container Delivery System (“CDS”) protocols. This includes last-minute drop abort and emergency jettison of cargo.

The Guardian is potentially compatible with any aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, that has a rear loading ramp.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following aircraft:

  • CH-47 Chinook (capacity 6 x Guardians per sortie)
  • C-212 Aviocar (capacity 2 x Guardians per sortie)
  • CN-235 (capacity 4 x Guardians per sortie)
  • C-295 (capacity 6 x Guardians per sortie)
  • C-27J Spartan (capacity 6 x Guardians per sortie)
  • C-130 Hercules (capacity 16 x Guardians per sortie)
  • KC-390 (capacity 19 x Guardians per sortie)

No modifications to the air frame or control system are required, making the Guardian compatible with all CDS mission-ready aircraft.

With the benefit of the containerized drop method, the Guardian can be deployed between 350 ft AGL and 1000 ft AGL, which minimizes the safety risk of traditional low altitude aerial firefighting.

Yes, the higher deployment altitude and standard CDS protocols enable deployment in low-light and nighttime conditions. This capability sets the Guardian apart from traditional operations as the only system that can be deployed during the night with safety, precision and accuracy.

The Guardian has been successfully tested for aircraft flight and crash loads according to USAF MIL-STD-1791.  It can be landed, drained and stored for potential future use.

The Guardian can deploy any water, liquids and foam, and it is compatible with all USFDA approved chemicals. The Guardian CAFFS will safely hold contents of your choice, since there is no risk of the contents coming into contact with your aircraft.

One Guardian can be filled in less than two minutes, depending on water source and pressure.  A full payload for a C-130 can be pre-staged and ready in 20 minutes, allowing quick loading and turnaround of aircraft between sorties.

The Guardian CAFFS can be recovered after the drop and sent through the standard paper and fibre based local recycling plants.  The components are >90% compostable and 100% recyclable.

All Caylym products are designed and manufactured in the U.S.

The pricing and lead time for Guardian CAFFS varies depending on order volume and regularity as well as market conditions. For specific information please contact the Caylym team.

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Guardian certifications include:

  • Dec 2010 US Patent US7845595B2 awarded for Guardian
  • Sep 2013: NGAUS Resolution ANG #37 passed
  • Dec 2013: Certified by Leonardo (formerly, Alenia Aermacchi) for drop from C-27J Spartan
  • Jul 2014: Inclusion as critical capability in 2015 (US) ANG Domestic Capabilities Priority book
  • Mar 2015: passed without exception, railcar G-force impact tests Nevada. (Mil Standard 1791)
  • Apr 2015: USAF and ATTLA approval of MIL Std 1791 test (G-Force tests); Guardian now approved for Operational Evaluation aboard US DoD aircraft
  • Jul 2015: Inclusion as critical capability in (US) ANG Domestic Capabilities Priority book
  • Jul 2015: Certified by Italian AF and Italian Civil Protection (Forest Service) for aerial delivery using standard CDS procedures from the C-27J Spartan and the C-130J Super Hercules
  • Aug 2015 Service Disabled Veteran-Owned, Small Business (SDVOSB) certification received
  • Aug 2015: GSA certification received: GS-07F-05CA. GSA Schedule 84 (Fire and Flood response systems) awarded.
  • Sep 2015: NGAUS Resolution ANG #37 broadened and strengthened
  • August 2019:  USAF, HQ Air Mobility Command (AMC) Project 11-001-17, Guardian Containerized Aerial Fire Fighting System Operational Utility Evaluation Final Report:  “test was focused on Guardian CAFFS operational effectiveness and suitability as CDS”  “all test measure(s) passed the evaluation criteria”.

Yes, Caylym employs ISO quality standards and is certified with a 3rd party Auditor.