Unmanned K-MAX, Stalker aircraft collaborate to fight fire in demo

ROME, N.Y., Dec. 2 (UPI) -- The Lockheed Martin-made Stalker XE UAS helped the unmanned K-MAX cargo helicopter extinguish a fire in a recent collaborative demonstration.

During the demonstration, the Stalker XE unmanned aircraft system provided data to the unmanned K-MAX cargo helicopter, allowing it to precisely locate a fire and extinguish it using a water drop. The UAS Traffic Management, or UTM, systems tracked the aircraft and communicated in real time with Air Traffic Control. Company officials say the demonstration marks a significant step forward in unmanned aircraft capabilities and uses.

"This demonstration represents the path forward for flying UAS in the NAS using Flight Service-based UTM capabilities to extend the technology and systems that air traffic controllers know and understand," Transportation & Financial Solutions vice president Paul Engola said in a statement. "We were able to successfully modify the existing K-MAX and Stalker XE ground control software to connect to the UTM services and conduct the firefighting mission."

Lockheed Martin says the demonstration is a step forward for the role of unmanned aircraft in conducting firefighting missions, pointing to the K-MAX's ability to fly all day and night, potentially tripling the amount of time firefighters on the ground can receive air support.

The Stalker XE use its electro-optical, infrared camera to identify hot spots and fire intensity. High-definition imaging capabilities allow the craft to operate in low-light situations. The Stalker XE can achieve over eight hours of flight endurance.

Lockheed Martin says these abilities can be used for the benefit of both civilian and military operations.