Five-Year Initiative To Expand Research, Innovation, Capabilities

Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CAL FIRE, jointly announced a five-year collaborative effort to expand research, innovation, and operational capabilities for aerial firefighting resources.

The initiative will focus on developing cutting-edge technologies using autonomous and autonomy-enabled aircraft to reduce pilot workload, improving situational awareness, and providing first responders with the flexibility to execute complex missions in dangerous or deteriorating conditions during day or night.

Steve Robinson, Assistant Deputy Director of Aviation and Mobile Equipment for CAL FIRE said, “The CAL FIRE Aviation Program prioritizes safety of air operations and ensures our flight crews have the proper training, equipment, and advanced technologies for maximum effectiveness on all-risk missions. CAL FIRE is excited to collaborate with Sikorsky and determine how their advanced technologies could benefit our Helicopter and Uncrewed Aerial System Programs.”

The collaboration will explore the development of an autonomous Sikorsky S-70i FIREHAWK helicopter, a versatile and reliable aerial firefighting platform that plays a major role in CAL FIRE’s wildfire capabilities. CAL FIRE operates a fleet of 16 FIREHAWKs as its primary rotary-wing firefighting asset, including two recently delivered this summer.

Its unique and impressive capabilities include its ability to fly at 155 kts, operate in high wind conditions, and navigate at altitudes up to 10,000 feet, together making it a valuable asset in combating wildfires.

Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky said, "The development of autonomous wildfire suppression capabilities will be a game-changer in our efforts to protect communities from the growing threat of wildfires. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and enhancing the safety and efficacy of operations, this collaboration has the potential to revolutionize the way we respond to wildfires, protecting citizens for generations to come.”

FMI:  lockheedmartin.com/ , www.fire.ca.gov/