Erickson Looks To Improve Firefighting Through R&D Unit
Helicopter specialist Erickson is developing software aimed at making wildland firefighting more effective and efficient.
Erickson's research and development unit is developing software that is expected to help pilots determine the best locations within a wildland fire to drop water. (Photo: Erickson Inc.)
Erickson's research and development unit is developing software that is expected to help pilots determine the best locations within a wildland fire to drop water. (Photo: Erickson Inc.)

Erickson is known both as an operator and manufacturer of the S-64 Air Crane heavy-lift helicopter, along with providing the air power to fight wildfires globally. But the Portland, Oregon-based company that also offers commercial lift services with its fleet of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as MRO services, is now adding research and development to its credentials.