Aircraft
Predator UAV Helps Fight Fires in California
The Ikhana UAV, NASA’s research version of the Reaper, flew over wildfires to assist firefighters. Recently, the California Air Guard flew a standard military version of the smaller Predator on the same mission. (Photo: GA-ASI)
The Ikhana UAV, NASA’s research version of the Reaper, flew over wildfires to assist firefighters. Recently, the California Air Guard flew a standard military version of the smaller Predator on the same mission. (Photo: GA-ASI)

An MQ-1 Predator UAV supported firefighters in their efforts to control the huge California Rim Fire in August-September, according to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). The company noted that the UAV’s more-than-24-hour endurance offered a “value-added capability” over helicopters, which ground commanders had relied on previously but are required to refuel every two hours.