On October 29, Sikorsky and Rain conducted a live demonstration of an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter equipped to detect and suppress wildfires at Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford.
The event, titled the Rapid Wildfire Response Demonstration, highlighted how the helicopter, using Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ flight autonomy combined with Rain’s fire-specific mission autonomy, could identify a small fire and make precise water drops for containment.
Representatives from NASA, FEMA, DARPA, and multiple firefighting agencies were present to observe the autonomous technology in action.
The demonstration aimed to show stakeholders from both public and private sectors how autonomous technology can assist in early wildfire containment, particularly when human-crewed operations face limitations.
According to Sikorsky, the display illustrated the potential for autonomous aircraft to handle fire suppression operations in challenging conditions, such as smoke and turbulence, without putting pilots at risk.
During the 30-minute exercise, attendees commanded the Black Hawk helicopter remotely, directing it to take off, locate a simulated fire, and conduct water drops using a Bambi Bucket attached 60 feet below.
Three separate water drops were executed over a small, controlled propane-fueled fire ring, each approximately 12 inches in diameter and producing flames between 3 and 6 inches high.
Rain’s targeting system adjusted the helicopter’s flight path to account for an 8-to-10-knot crosswind during each drop, showing its capability to handle shifting conditions and accurately deliver water.
Safety pilots from Sikorsky were present in the cockpit but maintained a hands-off approach throughout the flight, with the autonomous system performing all essential tasks from takeoff to water drop coordination.
This hands-off approach underscores the capacity for autonomous systems to support, and potentially lead, wildfire suppression efforts without constant manual oversight.
Maxwell Brodie, CEO of Rain, pointed out the escalating financial burden of wildfires, which he estimated cost the United States over $390 billion annually, with risk factors projected to increase by 30% by 2030.
Brodie emphasized the importance of integrating autonomous technology in wildfire response: “We look forward to demonstrating to lawmakers how autonomous aircraft can stop fires from breaking out, or continue the fight into the night, and in turbulent and smoky conditions, where crewed aircraft wouldn’t venture.”
By showcasing how an autonomous Black Hawk can respond to and manage fire suppression in real time, Sikorsky and Rain intend to demonstrate the effectiveness of autonomous systems to firefighting professionals, government agencies, and policymakers.
Brodie’s comments reflect a growing interest in leveraging new technology to address the increasing risks and financial impact associated with wildfires in the United States.
Attendees at the event included a variety of stakeholders, from federal agencies to private investment groups.
Representatives provided immediate feedback on the demonstration, discussing the potential for the autonomous Black Hawk to transform firefighting strategies.
Genevieve Biggs, director of the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation’s Wildfire Resilience Initiative, remarked on the technology’s arrival in the field: “This technology that we used to think of as being on the horizon is here now, no longer just a figment of our imagination.
“It’s humbling to see this impressive machine and think about the improvement in safety that becomes possible.”
Biggs’ comments echoed a shared sentiment among attendees regarding the enhanced safety that autonomous aircraft could bring to firefighting, particularly in environments too dangerous for traditional manned aircraft.
This aspect of autonomous technology holds particular interest for agencies involved in large-scale wildfire management.
Sikorsky and Rain recently demonstrated the capabilities of an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter for wildfire suppression in a live exercise on October 29.
This event at Sikorsky’s Stratford headquarters showcased the integration of MATRIX™ flight autonomy and Rain’s mission-specific software, which allowed the helicopter to detect a fire, calculate the necessary response, and perform targeted water drops autonomously.
Officials from NASA, FEMA, DARPA, and regional firefighting organizations observed the test.
