Autonomous helicopters, powered by artificial intelligence, are being added to the fight against wildfires in California. Developed by Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky and California-based software company Rain, the system not only detects fires but also can respond without any human intervention.
The Era of Autonomous Helicopters Officially Begins
The system, currently in the testing phase, is planned to enter service in the near future, with state regulations pending. At the heart of the system is an autonomous version of the Sikorsky Black Hawk. The helicopter operates without the need for remote control.
Shiftdelete.netThanks to the developed software, fires are detected using sensors, wind and terrain conditions are analyzed, and artificial intelligence plans the most appropriate response route. The autonomous aircraft then communicates with other unmanned aerial vehicles to reach the fire zone and discharge the water it carries onto the target area. The goal is to bring the fire under control before it exceeds 1 square meter.
The helicopter was recently unveiled at a launch event in San Bernardino. However, winds reaching 130 kilometers per hour prevented the helicopter from taking off. However, in previous tests, the helicopter successfully completed water-dropping missions on both simulated propane-fueled fires and brush piles.
Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight technology and Rain’s fire response software work together to make the system operational. The helicopter can also be manned if desired.
Rain CEO Maxwell Brodie emphasized that this technology allows for effective intervention in high-risk areas without jeopardizing human life. The system is said to be particularly advantageous against fires that start at night and spread rapidly.
