A Successful Parallel Flight ‘Mission Experience’

Recently, at the PFT headquarters in La Selva Beach, we held a Parallel Flight 'Mission Experience', where our flight team demonstrated a fully autonomous tactical resupply mission. This is the type of mission that would be used to support wildland firefighters out in the field. 

For the first leg of the flight, our unstaffed aircraft autonomously transported 4 lengths of 100' long wildland fire hose and fittings, weighing a total of 60lbs. After take off, the drone flew several hundred yards to drop off its hosepack payload. It then returned to the original take-off location, where members of the ground crew loaded a supply box onto the aircraft. Again flying the mission, returning, landing and dropping the box back off.

These types of missions can dramatically help firefighters by taking on the burden of moving heavy equipment around in rough terrain, so they don't have to carry it. This increases the effectiveness and safety of the firefighters. Using Parallel Flight's technology, items like hosepacks, pumps, fittings, foods, drinking water and first aid can be delivered day and night, even under cover of smoke in zero visibility conditions.

To view full coverage from KSBW Action News 8 - click here

You can check out the coverage from ABC 7's David Louie here!

More coverage from NBC News’ Scott Budman here!