The Advancement of Aerial Firefighting Concept of Operations

Monica C. Gil; Shawn P. Melhorn; Jordan D. Gorelick

doi:10.4050/F-0080-2024-1160

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The Advancement of Aerial Firefighting Concept of Operations

Monica C. Gil, Shawn P. Melhorn, Jordan D. Gorelick, Sikorsky a Lockheed Martin Company

May 7, 2024

https://doi.org/10.4050/F-0080-2024-1160

Abstract:
Advancing technology has driven continuous improvements across most aspects of human endeavors. In the time since the first modern helicopter flew in 1939, the world has seen inventions like the microwave, personal computers, cell phones, and the internet. If helicopters predate these society-changing innovations, then it stands to reason that the manner in which helicopters operate has drastically shifted as well. Specifically, this paper reviews historical concepts of operations (CONOPS) in rotorcraft aerial firefighting and analyzes where technology advancements have made an impact on firefighting operations and the performance of helicopters in suppressing fires. These shifts were evaluated using analytical assessments and highlighting snapshots in time of how capability impacted the aerial firefighting mission effectiveness. As companies innovate and technology advances, further benefits to rotorcraft CONOPS in aerial firefighting will be realized.