Drone America, a leading innovator in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the UAS Center at SBD. This collaboration aims to revolutionize wildfire prevention and mitigation through advanced drone technology, building a safer and more resilient future for our communities.

Since 2009, Drone America has been at the forefront of UAS innovation, designing tools such as multirotor quadcopters, VTOL hybrids, and unmanned helicopters. Our goal is for our innovations to become trusted tools for emergency services across the nation to address critical challenges, including wildfire prevention and response.

Through this partnership, Drone America and the UAS Center at SBD will focus on:

  • Monitoring fire-prone areas for early detection and alerts.
  • Analyzing vegetation health to identify areas of elevated risk.
  • Supporting rapid emergency response with real-time data and mapping.

“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.”

Drone America’s ongoing resilience and commitment to innovation have been fueled by collaborations with partners such as NASA, the FAA Beyond Program, NV Energy, and others. As Mike Richards often says, “Success in the drone industry is like climbing Everest with greasy boots.”

In 2025, Drone America is expanding its mission to deliver comprehensive tools for wildfire prevention, active response, and post-fire recovery. These efforts not only preserve natural landscapes but also create meaningful jobs and strengthen community safety.

About Drone America Founded in 2009, Drone America is a pioneer in UAS development, specializing in multirotor, VTOL hybrid, and fixed-wing drones. With a focus on public safety and environmental innovation, Drone America provides cutting-edge solutions for wildfire mitigation, emergency response, and infrastructure protection.

About the UAS Center at SBD The UAS Center at SBD is a premier research and innovation hub dedicated to advancing drone technology for critical applications such as wildfire prevention and disaster response. Its mission is to improve safety, efficiency, and community engagement through cutting-edge solutions.

Source: Press Release