India, Feb. 3 -- NASA has conducted a test flight using drones, both remotely piloted and fully autonomous, to help fight wildfires, particularly for aerial nighttime operations, which is one of the most challenging aspects of firefighting.
NASA said it recently tested technologies with teams across the country that will enable aircraft - including small drones and helicopters outfitted with autonomous technology for remote piloting - to monitor and fight wildfires 24 hours a day, even during low-visibility conditions.
Current aerial firefighting operations are limited to times when aircraft have clear visibility - otherwise, pilots run the risk of flying into terrain or colliding with other aircraft. NASA-developed airspace management te...