NASA Tests New Airspace Management System for Wildland Firefighting

NASA has successfully tested a novel airspace management system that can aid firefighters in utilizing aircraft to combat fires during the day and night, even under adverse weather conditions of reduced visibility. The Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) was flight-tested under the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project. The test in Monterey County, California, demonstrated that PAMS can improve aerial firefighting coordination and safety.

Between March 17 and March 28, NASA researchers located themselves along Sierra de Salinas mountains to implement a simulated wildfire test of PAMS. Operations for attacking wildland fires are typically impaired by visibility issues, limiting aerial support to good weather. A Tactical Air Group Supervisor or "air boss" from a manned airplane conventionally operates the airspace. With limited visibility, however, it becomes a hassle to manage firefighting airplanes, increasing the risk of collision.

The PAMS technology provides land-based airspace management capability, allowing safe crewed and uncrewed aircraft operation in heavy smoke or without light. The suitcase-sized system enables pilots to track aircraft position and flight trajectories, allowing crews to conduct suppression, monitoring, and logistics operations more effectively.

In the test, researchers tested PAMS' ability to control aircraft in a simulated fire environment. They conducted successful flights with an Overwatch Aero vertical takeoff and landing vehicle and two small NASA drones. Despite being separated by mountains where cellular coverage was weak, units of PAMS stayed connected using a radio relay system, and all aircraft shared real-time location and flight intent data.

Simulations of drones were conducted during the test under aerial ignition, which involves controlled burning for the purposes of fire control and reduction of possible wildfire threats. Joby Aviation's optionally piloted aircraft participated in the test for the first time during the flight data exchange with PAMS.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) witnessed the test and provided feedback regarding the performance of the system as well as the viability of using the system to facilitate fire fighting missions. The test is an add-on to previous PAMS experiments conducted at Watsonville, California, during November 2024. ACERO researchers are set to upgrade the system using flight data as well as inputs from wildfire combating agencies.

Conclusion

NASA's PAMS technology is designed to provide a reliable airspace management tool for firefighters so that they can operate aircraft more safely and efficiently in bad weather. By improving coordination of air firefighting operations, the system could help save lives and property from devastating wildfires. The ACERO project is pushing this technology further with more tests planned to continue building its potential for real-world use.

Source and Credits:
Provided by NASA.