Airbus Integrates Aircraft, Drones, and Firefighters to Extinguish Wildfires
Airbus has conducted a novel experiment to interconnect aircraft, helicopters, drones, and ground personnel through communication and data processing systems for combating wildfires. This initial demonstration was showcased at the annual Aerial Firefighting Conference & Exhibition in Rome.
Successful Trial of Integrated Aerial and Ground Operations
Airbus successfully conducted a unique trial by interconnecting aircraft, helicopters, drones, and ground teams through communication and data processing systems. The experiment, carried out at the Garrigues military camp in Nîmes in collaboration with the Gard Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 30) and Entente Valabre, involved an H130 FlightLab helicopter, two airplanes (an ATR 72 and a Cirrus SR20), four drones including an Airbus Aliaca, and three firefighter trucks. The demonstrated objective was to achieve highly precise water drops and to significantly reduce the delay between the detection and extinguishing of a fire.
Interconnecting the Entire System
To interconnect the entire system, Airbus deployed a local private mobile network bubble connected to Agnet, its critical mission communication solution for security and rescue forces. Drones and the light aircraft captured real-time images, including infrared thermography, which were transmitted to Airbus servers at a command center. These data were analyzed, geolocated, and merged with satellite data, terrain relief, wind measurements taken by drone, and the locations of firefighters on the ground. Processing systems using artificial intelligence produced a complete tactical vision, enabling the transmission of flight paths and drop points to the precision-assisted helicopter and the ATR 72. This experiment is part of Airbus's effort to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for fighting wildfires, including aerial resources such as the A400M equipped with its firefighting kit, water bomber helicopters, reconnaissance drones, as well as communication and data processing solutions. Airbus positions this initiative within its commitment to decarbonization and responding to the growing global challenge of wildfires.
