The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, to explore the potential use of Yamaha’s FAZER SAR uncrewed helicopter for wildfire mitigation and suppression in the state of Oregon.
The partnership will evaluate how beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) can support rapid-response operations for small and emerging wildfires, especially in remote or high-risk regions. Together, ODAV and Yamaha will also consider new opportunities under the recently released Part 108 NPRM.
The Yamaha FAZER SAR is a medium-lift unmanned helicopter platform designed to carry payloads and perform complex aerial maneuvers. It operates under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exemptions for specialised missions.
The MOU does not grant exclusivity or authorise operational deployment, but enables collaborative testing, stakeholder engagement and regulatory coordination. Key areas of exploration include operational feasibility, regulatory pathways with the FAA, payload integration and coordination with emergency response partners.
ODAV says demonstration activities or pilot programmes may follow pending the outcome of initial assessments.
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