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Committee advances 3-year pilot to test autonomous aerial firefighting
Summary
AB 270 would fund a three-year pilot to evaluate autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters overseen by the Orange County Fire Authority. The committee advanced the bill with discussion about costs, aircraft capabilities and a $15 million pilot funding request.
The committee advanced AB 270, a bill that would authorize and seek funding for a three‑year pilot to evaluate autonomous aerial firefighting helicopters under the oversight of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA).
Assemblymember Petrie-Norris and OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy described the technology as a potential force multiplier that could expand aerial operations into conditions that limit crewed aircraft, such as nighttime operations, limited visibility and certain inaccessible terrain. Chief Fennessy said the OCFA has led other innovations — including the state’s fixed-wing FIRIS platform — and views a limited pilot as a way to test whether autonomous aircraft could reduce response times and protect lives…
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