Erickson Incorporated, an operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and manufacturer and developer of rotorcraft and autonomy solutions have signed a development agreement aimed at tackling the future of firefighting in the 21st century.
Erickson will work to develop the next generation of pilot optional nighttime firefighting solutions, integrating Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ Technology into a digitally enabled fire management system never-before-used in night firefighting.
Increasing firefighting safety
Erickson will enhance cockpit awareness and flight crew safety during day and night operations with MATRIX™
With next-generation flight controls and navigation systems powered by MATRIX™, Erickson will enhance cockpit awareness and flight crew safety during day and night operations.
Erickson’s goal is to enhance customers’ existing firefighting strategy, using technology to improve safety and protect lives, homes, and property.
Night-time firefighting
Currently, night-time firefighting is complex and dangerous, making for a massive challenge in the market that needs to be solved in the safest way possible. Both legacy manufacturers are committed to developing a safe alternative to night vision goggles, providing new and innovative ways to enhance the safety of pilots not yet used in the commercial market.
This endeavor will be cost-effective, executed in the safest manner in order to tackle the world’s largest fires, at night.
Supporting critical missions
“We are pleased to be working on this important initiative with Sikorsky who we have a longtime history. Since adopting care of the S-64 global fleet in 1994, Erickson has continuously modernized the platform to support critical missions,” said Doug Kitani, CEO of Erickson.
