UAVs Assist US Firefighting Effort
October 31st, 2007
UAVs Assist Fire Fighting Effort
During the recent devastating wildfires that swept California, military UAVs assisted civilian authorities in fire fighting efforts for the first time in the USA.
US Air Force Global Hawk UAVs were used to provide high resolution, near real-time images of the situation on the ground, supplying ground commanders with vital information that allowed them to better coordinate ground and air assets.
The Global Hawk has a maximum altitude of 65,000 feet, a range of 14,000 nautical miles and can stay airborne for 42 hours. Sensors on Global Hawk include the electro-optical and third-generation infrared sensor system and the synthetic aperture radar.
In addition to the Global Hawks, the US Air Force provided U2 aircraft and the US Navy a P3 Orion to assist with supplying photographic and video imaging for ground commanders.
“The fact we are able to use systems like Global Hawk, U-2 and P-3 aircraft to assist firefighters on the ground in California underscores our commitment to the safety and security of America,” the Air Force’s General Morrow said.
