Some example systems and methods for retrofitting bulk product dispersal mechanism of aircrafts (e.g., aerial crop dusters, air tankers, airplanes and helicopters) involve replacing one link of the dispersal mechanism's linkage assembly with a powered linear actuator. The linkage assembly connects a manually operated lever in the cockpit to a movable gate at an outlet of a bulk container of the aircraft. The bulk container carries a bulk product, such as dry fertilizer or fire extinguishing liquid. In some examples, the pilot can operate the lever to control the release and aerial dispersion of the bulk material. With the powered linear actuator, however, the lever can be latched at a stationary position, while the powered linear actuator extends or retracts to respectively open or close the gate. In an emergency, a brake on the linear actuator allows the pilot to seamlessly switch from a power mode to a manual mode.