Erickson Incorporated, a worldwide leading operator, maintainer, and manufacturer of utility aircraft, and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, and premier manufacturer and developer of rotorcraft and autonomy solutions have signed a development agreement aimed at tackling the future of firefighting in the 21st century. Erickson will work to develop the next generation of pilot optional nighttime firefighting solutions, integrating Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ Technology into a digitally enabled fire management system never-before used in night firefighting.

With next generation flight controls and navigation systems powered by MATRIX™, Erickson will enhance cockpit awareness and flight crew safety during day and night operations. Erickson’s goal is to enhance our customers’ existing firefighting strategy, using technology to improve safety and protect lives, homes, and property.

Currently nighttime firefighting is complex and dangerous, making for a massive challenge in the market that needs to be solved in the safest way possible. Both legacy manufacturers are committed to developing a safe alternative to night vision goggles, providing new and innovative ways to enhance the safety for pilots not yet used in the commercial market.

This endeavor will be cost effective, executed in the safest manner in order to tackle the world’s largest fires — at night.

“We are pleased to be working on this important initiative with Sikorsky who we have a longtime history with. Since adopting care of the S-64 global fleet in 1994, Erickson has continuously modernized the platform to support critical missions.” Doug Kitani, CEO Erickson

Erickson has been the original equipment manufacturer of the S-64 since 1994. MATRIX™ Technology is one piece of Erickson’s new suite of firefighting technologies and modifications to the S-64 Air Crane® platform. Click here to find out more about Erickson’s Next Generation S-64 E & F+.