Advancing Aerial Firefighting with Extended Operational Design using Novel Strategies and Aircraft Concepts

Kurzfassung

This paper presents a coordinated simulation framework for optimizing aerial wildfire suppression through the joint evaluation of conventional and eVTOL aircraft. A comprehensive Design of Experiments was conducted to identify optimal configurations for both aircraft types based on performance and operational feasibility. Aircraft design and tactical firefighting strategies were integrated to improve overall suppression outcomes. Using an objective measure of effectiveness function, the most capable designs for each aircraft type were selected and tested across multiple firefighting tactics. Simulations conducted in three representative wildfire environments demonstrated significant performance gains in suppression efficiency and mission adaptability. Furthermore, a novel flanking tactic was introduced, enhancing localized containment and operational coordination. The results underscore the potential of integrating next-generation aircraft and adaptive tactics within an SoS framework to advance the future of wildfire response operations.