Skyryse has announced a new partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) focused on strengthening firefighting technology, operations and training programmes. CAL FIRE already has an extensive fleet of UH-60/S-70i Firehawks in its inventory, so the work that Skyryse is about to begin on the conversion of a UH-60 to use the SkyOS fly-by-wire system will be of particular interest as the partners develop the platform for use on firefighting aircraft.
There are, of course, the apparent advantages of moving to a fly-by-wire flight control system. There’s the simplification and weight reductions when you replace mechanical linkage flight controls, which in turn yields an increase in the aircraft’s useful load, which means more water/retardant on the target or more flight time. And then there are the improvements in flight safety yielded by envelope protection and the attendant reduction in the risk of cognitive loading and pilot task saturation.
However, it also means that autonomous operation of the aircraft is a possibility, making it possible to stage assets where manned flights are too dangerous.
“In firefighting, every second counts,” said Mark Groden, founder and CEO of Skyryse, speaking about the partnership. “Fires can double in size every 30 seconds – and when fires move faster, we have to move smarter. SkyOS technology provides greater capability, enhances mission profiles, and empowers emergency personnel to fight fires more effectively and safely. We’re honoured and privileged to work alongside CAL FIRE, especially as a company founded and headquartered in California, to help leverage our technology in the fight against destructive wildfires. Equipping first responders with the latest and best-in-class technology isn’t just an investment in tools – it’s an investment in lives.”
Meanwhile, Jake Sjolund, Deputy Director of Fire Protection of CAL FIRE, added, “CAL FIRE continues to leverage advanced technology to enhance aviation safety, increase operational effectiveness, and drive greater efficiency across our aerial firefighting missions. By integrating tools like real-time telemetry, situational awareness systems, and data-driven decision support, we are evolving to meet the complex challenges of modern wildfire response.”
Image: Skyryse
