Eye in the Sky Uses Smart Technology for Better Decision Making

Coulson Aviation’s intelligence gathering specialist helicopter Sikorsky S76 provides valuable real-time information to enable effective decision making in the toughest of fire situations.   

The purpose-built helicopter is designed as a type 1 compliant aerial supervision platform able to provide initial attack information to first responding firefighting personnel. It can also provide intelligence on a developing fire or incident as well as impact assessment data.  

The S76 operates a high definition, low light and thermal camera with an operating platform that provides for data to be transformed into useful and time critical information.   

This Aerial Intelligence Gathering helicopter provides actionable real-time information that can inform decision making for an operational commander coordinating air and ground attack assets day or night.  

It is a key to night aerial fire operations assisting with fire spread and impact assessment, planning for hazards and locating water dip sites, all of which adds to safe and effective night fire operations.  

The infrared technology has been instrumental in the success of night-time firebombing operations, enabling enhanced visibility of fire in smoky environments providing benefits for water drop targeting and analysis of fire activity.