Spray array apparatus which includes a plurality of water and air carrying
spoke members extending radially from a central fluid distribution
assembly. The spoke members are connected to a plurality of water and air
carrying strut members. The spoke members are divided into segments and
the segments and strut members are detachably joined together by means of
manifold joints which have water and air passageways allowing fluid
communication between spoke segments and strut members. The apparatus is
towed at the end of a boom of a tanker aircraft and is connected to the
boom by means of a gimbal allowing two degrees of freedom to reduce
bending moments and connection stresses. Selected fluid parameters are
transmitted to the tanker aircraft to adjust fluid flow, if necessary.