Aerial Wildfire Suppression Simulator
MANNED vs AUTONOMOUS
BCDC / RELLIS
Methodology
Scenario Parameters
Call Received (24h)
16:00
Simulation Duration
24 hr
Base → Fire Distance
30 mi
Fire → Water Source
5 mi
Manned Startup Delay
20 min
Autonomous Startup Delay
3 min
Sunset Time (24h)
19:30
Sunrise Time (24h)
06:30
Payload Type
Water
Retardant
Fleet Composition
UH-60 Black Hawk
−
2
+
Bucket: 660 gal | Cruise: 150 mph
Fill: 60 sec | Cost: $4,280/hr
CH-47 Chinook
−
1
+
Tank: 2,600 gal | Cruise: 137 mph
Fill: 90 sec | Cost: $7,470/hr
S-70i Firehawk
−
0
+
Internal: 1,000 gal | Cruise: 155 mph
Fill: 45 sec | Cost: $5,200/hr
▶ RUN SIMULATION
Manned Total
—
gallons
Autonomous Total
—
gallons
Autonomous Advantage
—
additional gallons
Advantage Ratio
—
× more delivered
Cumulative Delivery Over Time
Manned
Autonomous
Red-shaded bands = manned grounding window (sunset → sunrise). Autonomous fleet continues uninterrupted.
Cost per Gallon Delivered Over Time
Sortie Breakdown
Metric
Manned
Autonomous
Δ
Run simulation to see results