Sikorsky and CAL FIRE have launched a five-year collaboration to develop an autonomous-capable S-70i Firehawk, integrating autonomous flight technologies into wildfire suppression to improve operational safety and effectiveness. The programme builds on Sikorsky’s prior autonomous Black Hawk trials and CAL FIRE’s existing S-70i fleet.
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The partnership formalises a five-year effort to field autonomy in frontline wildfire suppression and builds on CAL FIRE’s recent S-70i deliveries that lifted its rotary‑wing firefighting fleet to 16 aircraft, increasing the platform base for any autonomous variant.
It accelerates operational use of autonomy after CAL FIRE’s trials with unmanned systems — earlier tests logged about 65 flight hours and 200 sorties — showing the agency is already integrating autonomous sensing and mapping into firefighting workflows.
The deal pairs a major rotorcraft OEM with a frontline operator as Sikorsky pushes AI and autonomy for manned helicopters; this links product roadmaps and field requirements, consistent with Sikorsky’s public forecasts on AI and automation transforming helicopter operations.
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Sikorsky and CAL FIRE Advance Autonomous Aerial Firefighting Technology • aero-defence.tech
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Sikorsky, Cal Fire Initiative Could Lead to Autonomous Firehawk • Aviation Week
(NL) Sikorsky explores possibilities for an autonomous firefighting helicopter • pilootenvliegtuig.nl
Sikorsky and CAL FIRE partner to develop autonomous aerial firefighting systems • helicoptersmagazine.com
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• SatNews Staff
Sikorsky and CAL FIRE Partner to Advance Autonomous Aerial Firefighting Technologies • english.defensearabia.com