---
title: "Unmanned helicopters will be used to fight wildfires"
description: "Fighting wildfires is a major issue in the West, and federal officials hope that these unmanned helicopters will decrease the number of casualties and time required to extinguish fires."
date: "2015-10-15"
modified: "2015-10-15"
authors:
  - name: "Pat Medina"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/medinaptrcgmail-com"
url: "https://futurism.com/unmanned-helicopters-will-be-used-to-fight-wildfires"
categories:
  - "Artificial Intelligence"
tags:
  - "k-max"
  - "unmanned helicopter"
  - "wildfires"
---

# Unmanned helicopters will be used to fight wildfires

![](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/K-MAX_hover1800x1200.jpg>)

##### Lockheed Martin K-MAX

In an effort to find a safer and more efficient way of fighting wildland fires, federal officials have launched the Lockheed Martin K-MAX, an unmanned helicopter that's battle-tested and equipped with advanced sensor technology. It's high tech sensors enable the K-MAX to fly at night and in smoky conditions that might too dangerous for a manned helicopter. Even when communication on ground is cut off, the K-MAX can still complete a task. It communicates in three ways; using line of sight and two satellite links. The K-MAX can also be remote-controlled, but it can also fly autonomously after its been given proper instruction. The pilotless helicopters might be rolled out as early as Summer 2016.

##### The Advantages

Officials say that with these features, the K-MAX can be of service 24/7 and fight wildfires at any time. The unmanned helicopter concept has already been battle-tested, as it has been used in Afghanistan to move supplies for the troops so that they would be safe from the possible dangers of improvised bombs on the road. In this instance, K-MAX ensures safety for the on-ground staff as well as the communities who are near these wildfires. The helicopter is also low maintenance and considered inexpensive to use at $1,400 an hour.