The 163d Attack Wing of the California Air National Guard (CAANG) operating out of March Air Reserve Base is using the MQ-9 UAS in support of fire-fighting efforts in Northern California, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) announced on 16 October.
CAANG is using the MQ-9 equipped with full-motion video and ground imaging synthetic aperture radar to clearly see the fire through clouds and smoke.
The intelligence and reconnaissance sensor suite on the MQ-9 includes the Lynx multi-mode radar and EO/IR high-definition camera. This support is critical to provide firefighters on the ground with situational awareness that assists with the strategic planning and resource placement in order to contain the fires.
Brigadier General, Dana A Hessheimer of the CAANG, said: ‘The 163d Attack Wing supports citizens during the fires by operating two missions under approval from the defence secretary and the FAA.
‘The two missions are to help fire crews assess fire perimeters and to identify structures that have been lost. Through the efforts of our response team, 77,000 acres have been mapped and over 1,300 structures have been identified.’
GA-ASI is also working with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and CAL FIRE to facilitate integration of real-time data into fire-fighting operations.
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
Connect with us on socials
