Oregon Dept of Aviation and Yamaha Consider Uncrewed Helo for Fire Response | Aviation International News

ODAV, Yamaha Exploring Uncrewed Helo for Fire Response

Agreement covers evaluation of Fazer SAR to help mitigate wildfires

Yamaha Fazer SAR uncrewed helicopter — © Yamaha Motor

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

August 15, 2025

The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) and Yamaha Motor have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential use of the Japanese company’s Fazer SAR uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) for wildfire mitigation and suppression. Oregon experiences a number of wildfires during the hot, dry summer season, and so far this year, the state has had 1,649 fires and 194,949 acres burned.

“As wildfire seasons grow more intense and unpredictable, the need for innovative, flexible, and scalable tools becomes increasingly urgent,” according to ODAV. Evaluation of the Fazer SAR UAS will include testing beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations to help with rapid response for small and emerging wildfires in remote and high-risk areas. The agreement does not commit either party to a purchase or deployment of Yamaha’s UAS.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Aero Asset: Twin-engine Helicopter Sales Activity Up

Pricing on heavy twins reached a five-year high in the first half

Sikorsky S-92 in flight

Louisiana Rotor Pathway Advances Rotorcraft Careers

Program started with Utah and North Dakota

Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma helicopter

Nepal Relief Efforts Need More Support and Coordination

Local rotorcraft industry leader urges international partners to get involved in crisis

Nepal army helicopter

Boltoukhine Named Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters

Frederic Lemos departs after serving as CEO of ACH since 2017

Nicolas Boltoukhine

Avincis Orders Five McDermott 214ST Utility Helicopters

Medium twin-engine rotorcraft will supplement European firefighting operations

Artist's impression of Avincis' McDermott 214ST helicopters

Helicopters Play Crucial Role in Himalayan Flood Rescues

Nepal’s army and private operators have deployed rotorcraft across the flood zone

Heli Everest H125 helicopter

U.S. Approves $800M Bell 407/412 Sale to Iraq Military

Pentagon permission facilitates sale of Bell 412EXP and 407M

Bell 407M helicopter

Japan Orders Its First H160 for Emergency Response

Fire and disaster management agency to use aircraft in aerial reconnaissance role

Airbus H160 in flight over sea