Firefighting aircraft in California to integrate automated flight system
Skyryse has announced a partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to upgrade firefighting technology used in aerial operations.
According to Skyryse, the agreement will see its SkyOS system incorporated into future CAL FIRE aircraft, aiming to improve operational efficiency, safety and mission performance.
SkyOS is described by the company as the first universal operating system for flight. It replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with fly-by-wire technology and introduces automation tools designed to support pilot performance in high-pressure situations.
CAL FIRE operates the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the United States. Its bases are positioned across California for response times of under 20 minutes.
The agency has also reported that the partnership follows January 2025 wildfires in southern California which burned more than 57,600 acres and affected over 18,000 structures.
SkyOS designed to assist flight crews during wildfire missions
Skyryse explained that SkyOS includes a range of features intended to improve aerial operations in wildfire conditions.
The company stated that the fly-by-wire design enhances control in all weather conditions by replacing mechanical systems with digital ones.
Optionally-piloted capability is included, allowing aircraft to be deployed in areas unsafe for crewed missions.
The system also enables increased payload capacity and extended flight time, which Skyryse says will support sustained operations on the fire line.
A streamlined digital interface is used to reduce cognitive load on the pilot, and safe envelope protection features aim to reduce risks during missions in low-visibility environments.
Mark Groden, Founder and CEO of Skyryse, said: “In firefighting, every second counts. Fires can double in size every 30 seconds — and when fires move faster, we have to move smarter.
“SkyOS technology provides greater capability, enhances mission profiles, and empowers emergency personnel to fight fires more effectively and safely.
“We’re honoured and privileged to work alongside CAL FIRE, especially as a company founded and headquartered in California, to help leverage our technology in the fight against destructive wildfires.
“Equipping first responders with the latest and best in class technology isn’t just an investment in tools — it’s an investment in lives.”
CAL FIRE supports aviation-focused firefighting technology
CAL FIRE has stated that adopting new aviation technologies is part of a broader strategy to adapt to evolving wildfire threats across California.
Jake Sjolund, Deputy Director of Fire Protection at CAL FIRE, said: “CAL FIRE continues to leverage advanced technology to enhance aviation safety, increase operational effectiveness, and drive greater efficiency across our aerial firefighting missions.
“By integrating tools like real-time telemetry, situational awareness systems, and data-driven decision support, we are evolving to meet the complex challenges of modern wildfire response.”
The agency provides wildfire protection across 31 million acres of private land and offers additional emergency services across 36 counties.
Its fleet includes fixed-wing and rotary aircraft stationed at 14 air attack and 11 helitack bases throughout the state.
January 2025 wildfires influenced new tech focus
Skyryse’s announcement follows large-scale wildfires that impacted southern California at the start of 2025.
According to CAL FIRE incident records, 14 separate wildfires occurred across Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego and nearby counties.
The fires led to at least 30 fatalities and required a multi-agency emergency response effort.
More than 18,000 buildings were affected and approximately 57,600 acres were burned during the incidents.
The event has prompted calls for enhanced aerial support and technology that enables faster, safer deployment in severe conditions.
California’s aerial response capability remains a national benchmark
CAL FIRE maintains the largest civil aerial firefighting programme in the United States, operating a range of aircraft specifically adapted for fire suppression.
The department’s aircraft are stationed in strategic locations to allow for rapid deployment within minutes of a wildfire alert.
Aircraft are used for water drops, observation, personnel transport, and coordination of firefighting teams on the ground.
The integration of automation technologies such as SkyOS aims to increase flight safety margins and assist pilots during complex missions.
CAL FIRE continues to evaluate new tools and platforms to meet its fire protection responsibilities across the state.
California strengthens firefighting technology through Skyryse aviation partnership: Summary
Skyryse has announced a partnership with CAL FIRE to introduce its SkyOS system into future firefighting aircraft.
SkyOS is designed to support pilots through automation, fly-by-wire control, and optionally-piloted capability.
The partnership comes after January 2025 wildfires that killed at least 30 people in southern California.
CAL FIRE operates the largest civil aerial firefighting fleet in the United States.
The SkyOS system aims to reduce pilot workload and improve flight safety in wildfire conditions.
CAL FIRE aircraft will benefit from longer flight durations and increased payload capacity.
The state covers 31 million acres of private wildlands with aerial and ground-based services.
Jake Sjolund of CAL FIRE said that technology integration is key to meeting modern wildfire challenges.
Mark Groden of Skyryse said the system will support faster and safer response during emergencies.
The aircraft upgrades are intended to improve resilience for vulnerable communities.
CAL FIRE bases are located to enable incident response within 20 minutes.