Drone America and UAS Center at SBD Collaborate on Advanced Safety Tools
Drone America has announced a partnership with the UAS Center at SBD, focusing on wildfire prevention and mitigation. The collaboration combines advanced drone technology with regional expertise to create innovative tools that enhance community safety and emergency response.
“By combining Drone America’s expertise in unmanned systems with the UAS Center at SBD’s research capabilities and deep regional knowledge, this partnership is setting a new standard for wildfire safety,” said Mike Richards, CEO of Drone America. “Together, we’re creating a proactive framework to enhance both fire detection and emergency response.”
Focus Areas for Wildfire Mitigation
The partnership aims to improve wildfire management through three key strategies:
- Early Detection: Drones will monitor fire-prone areas to provide alerts before fires escalate.
- Risk Analysis: Advanced analysis of vegetation health will help identify areas at higher risk for wildfires.
- Emergency Response Support: Real-time data and mapping will allow first responders to act quickly and effectively.
Drone America, founded in 2009, specializes in multirotor quadcopters, VTOL hybrids, and unmanned helicopters. These tools aim to serve emergency services nationwide. In 2025, the company is expanding its mission to deliver solutions that address wildfire prevention, active response, and post-fire recovery.
Building Resilient Communities
The collaboration also emphasizes long-term benefits. By reducing wildfire risks, these innovations help preserve natural landscapes and protect local communities. Additionally, these efforts create meaningful jobs, reinforcing economic stability and safety.
Drone America has a history of working with organizations such as NASA, the FAA Beyond Program, and NV Energy to advance unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology. As Richards describes, “Success in the drone industry is like climbing Everest with greasy boots,” highlighting the challenges and commitment required to drive innovation.
About the UAS Center at SBD
The UAS Center at SBD serves as a research and innovation hub focused on advancing drone technology for wildfire prevention, disaster response, and other critical applications. Its mission is to enhance safety and efficiency through cutting-edge solutions.
To learn more about Drone America, visit Drone America. For information about the UAS Center at SBD, visit UASCenter at SBD.
Want DRONELIFE news delivered to your inbox every weekday? Sign up here.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.
Leave a Reply