Photo credit: www.nasa.gov
NASA to Test New Airspace Management System for Wildland Fire Response
NASA is set to launch a live flight test on March 25 at 9 a.m. PDT in Salinas, California, focusing on aircraft that will simulate operations for responding to wildland fires. This initiative is part of the agency’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project.
The newly designed portable airspace management system is intended to broaden the period in which firefighting crews can effectively respond to wildland blazes. By providing essential air traffic information, the system facilitates the safe deployment of various aircraft, including drones and remotely piloted helicopters, even when visibility is low. Traditionally, aerial firefighting operations are constrained to visibility conditions that allow pilots to navigate safely, which often results in aircraft being grounded during nighttime or heavy smoke incidents.
This initial flight test will involve the coordination of two small drones along with an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and a remotely piloted aircraft that will also have an onboard backup pilot. Participants will perform critical tasks crucial for wildland fire management, such as sharing weather data, conducting simulated aerial ignition flights, and providing communications support.
Members of the media wishing to observe the ACERO flight testing need to confirm their attendance by 4 p.m. on March 21. They can RSVP to the NASA Ames Office of Communications at arc-dl-newsroom@mail.nasa.gov or by calling 650-604-4789. Further details, including the venue and logistical information for credentialed media, will be communicated following the RSVP deadline. For the media accreditation policy, interested parties can refer to NASA’s website.
Data collected during this flight test will be utilized by NASA’s ACERO team to enhance the capabilities of the airspace management system. The long-term goal is to equip wildland fire response teams with this technology in the field, ultimately aiming to protect lives and property from the devastating impacts of wildfires. This significant effort is being managed at NASA’s Ames Research Center located in California’s Silicon Valley.
For those seeking additional information regarding the ACERO initiative, more details can be found at:
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Source
www.nasa.gov