Agreement will assess the Yamaha FAZER SAR’s potential for early wildfire suppression under proposed BVLOS rules
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. to evaluate the use of Yamaha’s FAZER SAR unmanned helicopter in wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts.
As wildfire seasons become more severe and unpredictable, agencies are seeking new tools to respond quickly—especially in remote or high-risk areas. This collaboration aims to explore how beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) could help combat small and emerging wildfires in their earliest stages. The effort also comes as the FAA’s proposed Part 108 rule for BVLOS operations opens new potential for wildfire response applications.
A Medium-Lift Platform for Specialized Missions
The Yamaha uncrewed helicopter FAZER SAR is a medium-lift aircraft capable of carrying payloads, performing complex aerial maneuvers, and operating under FAA exemptions for specialized missions. Through the MOU, ODAV and Yamaha will study whether the aircraft could be used to conduct targeted suppression flights in the early, critical phase of a wildfire.
“This is a forward-looking collaboration to understand how aviation technology—especially uncrewed systems—can augment our wildfire response toolkit,” said Kenji Sugahara, Director of the Oregon Department of Aviation. “While this MOU does not grant exclusivity or authorize operational deployment, it opens the door to collaborative testing, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory coordination.”
Key Areas of Exploration
The partnership will focus on:
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Operational feasibility – Determining how the FAZER SAR could be deployed effectively in wildfire environments.
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Regulatory pathways – Working with the FAA to navigate BVLOS and other operational approvals.
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Payload integration – Assessing how specialized firefighting or detection equipment could be fitted to the aircraft.
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Emergency response coordination – Ensuring alignment with state, federal, and local firefighting partners.
Pending the results of these assessments, ODAV and Yamaha may pursue demonstration flights or pilot programs.
Non-Binding Agreement Focused on Safety and Innovation
Both organizations stress that the MOU is non-binding and does not commit either party to purchasing or deploying the aircraft. Instead, it reflects a shared interest in testing and developing safe, effective, and responsible wildfire mitigation strategies that can help protect Oregon’s communities and natural resources.
ODAV serves as Oregon’s lead agency for aviation planning, airport infrastructure, and emerging aeronautical technologies. Alongside its traditional aviation role, ODAV is advancing the integration of UAS and advanced air mobility systems into the state’s airspace.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., headquartered in Cypress, California, is part of a global company producing recreational, commercial, and industrial products, including remotely piloted helicopters.
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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.
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