INTEGRATED FIREFIGHTING TRIAL

Coordinated use of air and ground assets

Airbus conducted a large-scale trial in Nîmes, France, bringing together aircraft, helicopters, drones and ground personnel within a single connected operational framework. The objective was to improve the accuracy of water drops and reduce the time between fire detection and extinguishment.

The trial involved the Airbus H130 FlightLab helicopter, an ATR 72 test aircraft, a Cirrus SR20 light aircraft, four drones including an Airbus Aliaca, and ground vehicles from the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Le Gard (SDIS 30).

To enable coordination, Airbus deployed a local private mobile network connected to Agnet, its mission-critical communication system designed for emergency and security services.

DATA INTEGRATION AND OPERATIONAL PROCESSING

Real-time situational awareness and decision support

During the trial, drones and the light aircraft captured imagery of the fire area, including infrared data. This information was transmitted in real time to Airbus servers and relayed to a mobile command centre.

The data was analysed, geolocated and combined with additional inputs, including satellite imagery, terrain data, wind conditions and the positions of ground personnel.

AI-based processing systems generated a comprehensive operational picture, enabling the transmission of optimised flight paths and water drop points to aerial assets. These included a helicopter equipped with a precision drop assistance system and the ATR 72 acting as a simulated water bomber.

TEST ENVIRONMENT AND COLLABORATION

Operational scenarios developed with firefighting authorities

The trial was conducted at the Garrigues military camp using scenarios developed in collaboration with SDIS units and Entente Valabre, a French public body responsible for evaluating firefighting equipment and training personnel.

Entente Valabre operates under the authority of the French Ministry of the Interior and is recognised internationally for its role in forest firefighting assessment and training.

The trial was presented at the Aerial Firefighting Conference & Exhibition held in Rome from 24 to 26 March 2026.

DEVELOPMENT OF A FIREFIGHTING ECOSYSTEM

Integration of aerial platforms and communication systems

The trial forms part of Airbus’s broader effort to develop a comprehensive ecosystem for forest firefighting. This includes aircraft such as the A400M equipped with firefighting kits, helicopters with water buckets, reconnaissance drones, and integrated communication and data systems.

The objective is to enhance coordination between air and ground teams through improved information flow and operational visibility.

INDUSTRY CONTEXT

The increasing frequency and scale of forest fires have placed greater emphasis on coordination and response efficiency. The integration of communication systems and data processing tools into firefighting operations reflects a shift toward more structured and data-informed approaches to managing complex emergency environments.