Log In | Register | 
Share |
 Last Updated: Friday, March 12, 2010 Subscribe

Evergreen Unmanned Systems

Add Feedback
Share |

If you would like to include this video on your website, copy the code below and place it in your HTML.
Embed

Evergreen Unmanned Systems is a division of Oregon's Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. The company makes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, UAVs, which offer video mapping of terrain and a brush fire's direction. The acquisition of information is used to support ground crews and heavier aircraft during wildfires.

Brian Whiteside with Evergreen Unmanned Systems says, "This is one of many UAVs that are out there in the world, but this is one that's probably the most widely used currently. It's in the theater in Iraq and Afghanistan. It has over 150,000 hours on their air frame. So it's something the industry is familiar with and its capabilities are familiar with."

As far as its strengths for firefighting, Whiteside says, "You can throw this thing in the air for over 20 hours on 5.4 kilograms of fuel." Any information is beamed back to Evergreen's computer system and can be placed on the internet in real time. Crew can be seen and located on the ground and information sent to them to let them know where a fire is. The system works up to 60 nautical miles.

Whiteside says that with smaller budgets, governments and the military are more interested in hiring services, rather than attempting to buy an entire Unmanned Aircraft System, UAS. It's cheaper to contract a service, and services also update their technology whenever it changes, since they do not have to worry about acquisition cycles.

The Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, is strict with its restrictions, however. Although Whiteside says their conservatism is a good thing, he also hopes they will lift some restrictions and allow Evergreen to help the fire industry.


Author:Bill Lorin - FDNNTV.com




Feedback

(no feedback yet)

Videos
Expert Discusses Significance of Raymond Lee Oyler Arson-Murder Death Penalty Case
3/12/2010 9:21:58 AM
Join FDNNTV.com's Deanne Goodman as she sat down with author and expert John Maclean to learn more about the historical and judicial importance of the Raymond Lee Oyler arson-murder trial.
Firehouse World Expo 2010
3/11/2010 11:42:14 AM
Join FDNNTV.com's Deanne Goodman for a look at the 2010 Firehouse World Expo, where firefighters could further their education and look at the latest technology and services offered by fire service manufacturers and vendors.
Firefighters Volunteer Time in Haiti For Humanitarian Mission
3/9/2010 1:04:50 AM
Through FEMA the United States sent many first responders to Haiti to help with the search and rescue efforts after a massive earthquake decimated Port-au-Prince and surrounding communities. FDNNTV.com’s William Leatherman brings you the story of one firefighter who was part of a group of first responders who volunteered their time to make a humanitarian mission to Haiti, helping to provide food, water and basic living necessities to the survivors of the natural disaster.
Fan Reaction to FDNY and Ontario Fire Department's "Fire On Ice" Hockey Game and Chili Cook-Off
3/7/2010 12:53:16 PM
Firefighters from the FDNY and the Ontario Fire Department recently participated in “Fire On Ice”, a charity hockey game benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Join FDNNTV.com's Deanne Goodman for fan reaction and a look at the Chili Cook-Off held after the game.
FDNY Faces Ontario Fire Department in "Fire On Ice" Hockey Game
3/5/2010 1:59:55 PM
For the second year in a row, firefighters from the FDNY battled Ontario firefighters in a friendly game of Ice Hockey, appropriately titled “Fire on Ice”. The event was a fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and drew thousands of spectators to the Citizen’s Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.