Conceptual optimization of remotely piloted amphibious aircraft for wildfire air attack

In this study, a methodology for the high-level conceptual design, optimization, and evaluation of amphibious remotely piloted and autonomous fixed-wing aircraft to support wildfire air attack strategies is presented. Of particular interest are questions of scale, water source utilization, and optimization of high-level aircraft parameters in a regional context. The Canadian province of British Columbia is used as a case study due to the relevance of wildfire control in that region. The present strategy incorporates a detailed analysis of available water bodies, tanker base locations, and their distance from historical wildfire locations and explores how these regionally specific details impact optimal aircraft design parameters. Results are obtained for optimal lake size as well as the primary design characteristics of the corresponding optimal aircraft. Two filling strategies are evaluated, namely, a "stop and go" strategy and a traditional skimming strategy. The results indicate the potential of fleets of optimized aircraft to supply high flow rates while capitalizing on the established benefits of using remotely piloted and autonomous systems. It is hoped this work will encourage future study into improved models and the further development of drone technology for this application - including necessary beyond visual line of sight technology and infrastructure.