For decades, firefighting aircraft have faced significant limitations—among them, theinability to see through thick smoke and provide real-time data to teams on the ground. These challenges have long hindered the speed and accuracy of decision-making during wildfire suppression efforts; however, advancements in aerial technology are changing the way wildfires are detected, monitored, and fought.
Bridger Aerospace has introduced its Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), a cutting-edgeplatform designed to overcome these challenges. Equipped with advanced infrared sensors and real-time data transmission capabilities, the MMA enhances the air attack mission by providing infrared visibility and a continuous live data stream to keep Incident Management Teams informed. This technology ensures the air attack and ground crews share a dynamic, real-time understanding of fire behavior, which significantly improves the timeliness of response strategies and allows Incident Commanders to make informed decisions with the most up-to-date intelligence.
While the MMA is designed for a variety of mission profiles, its greatest impact is seen in its role as a sensor-enhanced air attack platform. This transformative approach bridges the gap in tactical air support between military-grade aerial intelligence and domestic wildfire response. By delivering high-resolution infrared imagery, live video streams, and critical fire data directly to the onboard Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) and Incident Management Teams below, the MMA provides enhanced situational awareness. Fire movement is monitored in real time, enabling faster, more effective tactical decisions on the ground.
Beyond its role in fire suppression, the MMA can aid firefighters and enhance crew safety. Its sensors can detect fire movement through thick smoke and dense canopies, identifying hazards before they threaten ground crews. Persistent aerial surveillance ensures crews have a capable overwatch, critical when conditions are rapidly evolving. The aircraft’s continuous live feeds can help track personnel locations, ensuring those on the front lines remain visible and accounted for in high-risk environments. The tragic loss of the Granite Mountain Hotshots in 2013 underscored the dangers of limited situational awareness. The MMA’s technology was developed with these firefighters in mind, equipping today’s crews with the tools necessary to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
As wildfires become more frequent and severe, Bridger Aerospace remains at the forefront of innovation, delivering advanced solutions that enhance both the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting. By setting new benchmarks in wildfire management, the MMA is transforming how wildfires are fought—ensuring those protecting lives, property, and natural resources have the intelligence they need when it matters most.
