The Power of MUM-T
The notion of drones and helicopters working together is not new. In fact, this magazine (and this writer) raised the idea in an article titled “Manned and Unmanned Teaming in SAR: An Idea Whose Time Has Come” in the Sept./Oct. 2021 issue. The acronym for this concept is “MUM-T,” aka Manned-Unmanned Teaming.
“In the realm of aerial firefighting, one of the most significant advancements is the evolution of MUM-T,” de Frutos said. “This concept presents clear advantages by enabling efficient, in-flight coordination and cooperation between manned and unmanned aircraft. For example, a manned aircraft can request specific actions from unmanned systems that provide valuable information while mitigating risk, such as exploring areas of low visibility or coordinating the search for a lost firefighting team.”
It is the ability of drones to serve as “eyes in the sky” that maximizes their value to firefighting helicopters in the air and crews on the ground. “The ability to maneuver drones to fire hotspots has empowered crews to combat blazes more effectively,” said de Frutos. “The revolutionary inclusion of thermal cameras provides firefighters with the crucial ability to see through smoke and monitor hotspots. Furthermore, UAVs exhibit high energy efficiency, a crucial aspect for managing large fires that require prolonged operations. This efficiency positions them as an eco- friendly technology, contributing to a lower carbon footprint in firefighting efforts.”
74 Jan/Feb 2024
Since most drones today tend to be small, their usefulness tends to be limited to visual surveillance. But as they grow larger in size — an envelope already being pushed by EHang and Sikorsky — their range of capabilities also expands. A case in point: “A cutting-edge application currently under active investigation is the utilization of large UAS equipped with the capability to transport hydrants for direct fire extinguishment,” de Frutos said. “This innovation poses a significant technological challenge due to the complexity of such missions, involving water loading in intricate locations, low-altitude flight in challenging operational environments (including the presence of other aerial vehicles and aggressive thermals), and precise liquid deployment over targeted areas. These systems are being evaluated for use in scenarios where manned operations are not feasible, such as during nighttime firefighting operations.”
As for team operations? According to EHang, this company’s autopilot and centralized management technologies allow a fleet of EH216-F eVTOLs to be dispatched remotely for first response, even before the firefighters arrive. “Efforts are underway to optimize the seamless collaboration and integration between manned and unmanned aerial firefighting platforms, with the ultimate goal of transitioning to an unmanned mode,” said the EHang spokesperson. “Moreover in urban areas, smaller unmanned rotorcraft firefighting platforms are especially advantageous due to their ability to access tight spaces and maneuver around buildings. This enables them to respond promptly and effectively to fires in densely populated areas where larger manned aircraft may encounter limitations.”
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