BOISE - A high-tech drone is being tested over the Tepee Springs Fire in west-central Idaho this week, to see if it's capable of supplying real-time information that incident commanders can use when directing firefighters and manned aircraft.
Air Operations Branch Director Gary Munson of the U.S. Forest Service says testing of the 55-pound craft with a 12-foot wingspan is scheduled to start Thursday night and last about a week.
The Aerosonde Mark 4.7 operated by Textron Systems launches from a catapult and is recovered with a large net.
Wildfire managers say they currently lack a good way to determine the exact location of a fire on days when smoke or clouds obscure visibility. The craft's infrared camera can see through smoke and clouds.
Munson says the drone could also improve radio communications among ground-based firefighters.
