Improving Aerial Fire Retardant Drop Efficiency using a Dynamic Targeting Device

Wildfires continue to grow in intensity as many areas around the US have been in pro-longed drought conditions. These areas may lack the funds and resources to adequately maintain the forested areas. This vulnerability along with poorly maintained energy infrastructures has the potential for severe devastation on the environment and community. Aerial firefighting is dangerous and somewhat inefficient. Over seven decades of aerial attack, there has been a remarkable lack of technological advancements. Delayed containment and missed drops add cost, intensify the negative impact on the environment and increase low level flight risk to aerial firefighters. Technology is needed to improve the selection of drop locations and to objectively measure post drop assessment. 9k Vantage is proposing the development of a dynamic targeting device. This low-cost device will allow a pilot to evaluate a proposed drop location, measure distances between objects and perform an objective post-retardant drop assessment using images captured and analyzed in near real-time. This technology will reduce retardant waste, hasten containment, allow for the collection of metrics to improve targeting and delivery methodology and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The versatile design will enable a plane, helicopter, or UAV to use this revolutionary technology.