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New Multi-Mission aircraft enhances Oregon's wildfire and All-Hazards Response

  • Writer: Overwatch Imaging
    Overwatch Imaging
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Oregon Department of Forestry invests in advanced sensing technology from Overwatch Imaging


The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) is equipping its state-of-the-art new multi-mission aircraft with advanced airborne imaging technology from Overwatch Imaging, marking a key step in the state’s effort to modernize its wildfire and emergency response capabilities.


At the center of the integration is Overwatch Imaging’s TK-8 Smart Sensor, which incorporates best-in-class multispectral imaging capabilities with AI-enabled Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software. The system will empower the agency’s response efforts with earlier detection of smaller and emerging threats, persistent monitoring of large areas, and real-time delivery of actionable intelligence to responders on the ground, day or night.


“The TK-8 brings a powerful new capability to Oregon’s aviation program,” said Sarah Prout, State Aviation Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Forestry. “This technology will strengthen our wildfire response, while expanding our ability to support communities during a wide range of emergencies.”





The integration, Prout explains, establishes one of the most advanced state-operated aerial intelligence platforms in the United States, expanding all-hazards response capabilities to include floods, storms, search and rescue and disaster response, while enabling rapid delivery of geospatial intelligence to improve coordination across agencies and incident teams.


Overwatch Imaging's TK-8 Smart Sensor, a state-of-the-art multispectral imaging payload with onboard processing and mission autonomy powered by the company's flagship ASO Software.
Overwatch Imaging's TK-8 Smart Sensor, a state-of-the-art multispectral imaging payload with onboard processing and mission autonomy powered by the company's flagship ASO Software.

“As a company based in the heart of a fire-prone region in Oregon, we are all too familiar with the impacts that natural disasters have on affected communities,” said Greg Davis, Overwatch Imaging founder and CEO. “It’s great to see ODF modernizing its aviation program with new technologies that give responders the superhuman vision they need to make better, faster decisions during complex and fast-moving emergencies.”


With advanced onboard processing and real-time analysis software, the TK-8 Smart Sensor automates key tasks such as wide-area image collection, heat detection, fire perimeter analysis, and data optimization for rapid sharing. The system features sensors in five spectral bands—visible, near infrared, shortwave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and longwave infrared—allowing crews to see through smoke, detect hotspots, generate fire perimeters and map large areas in challenging conditions.


Wildfire imagery in multiple spectral bands
Large-area orthomosaics of an active wildfire, as seen in various spectral bands captured and produced by the TK-8. The sensor is equipped with imagers in visual, NIR, SWIR, LWIR and MWIR bands, each with its own advantages for imaging in different conditions.

More about the aircraft:


This $13.23 million investment, including $12 million in legislatively approved bonds (2023) and $1.23 million from additional funding sources, builds on ODF’s long-standing aviation program that has enhanced wildfire detection and response for decades.


The new aircraft is a Twin Otter airframe that replaces the agency’s long-serving Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft which is retiring after more than 30 years of service.


“This aircraft represents a major step forward for Oregon’s aviation program,” said Neal Laugle, State Aviation Manager for the Oregon Department of Forestry.


The new $7.8 million dollar aircraft brings improved endurance, range, and payload capacity, allowing it to remain airborne longer, cover more ground, and transport more personnel and equipment when needed. However, the most significant advancement is the integration of $5.4 million in advanced sensing technology and mission systems, transforming the aircraft into a true aerial intelligence platform.


The new MMA replaces the agency’s long-serving Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft, shown here, which is retiring after more than 30 years of service. Oregon Department of Forestry’s new Multi-Mission Aircraft is based on the Twin Otter airframe like this one. The new MMA will enhance OPDF’s wildfire detection and response. It has improved endurance, range, and payload capacity, allowing it to remain airborne longer, cover more ground, and transport more personnel and equipment when needed.
The new MMA replaces the agency’s long-serving Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft, shown here, which is retiring after more than 30 years of service. Oregon Department of Forestry’s new Multi-Mission Aircraft is based on the Twin Otter airframe like this one. The new MMA will enhance OPDF’s wildfire detection and response. It has improved endurance, range, and payload capacity, allowing it to remain airborne longer, cover more ground, and transport more personnel and equipment when needed.


About Overwatch Imaging:

Overwatch Imaging is an imagery intelligence technology company working to bring sensor autonomy to time-critical airborne search, detection, tracking and monitoring missions.


​Our Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software, native to our own line of purpose-built Smart Sensors and as an upgrade for airborne video gimbal platforms, brings Superhuman Vision and Workload Reduction to users of real-time imagery intelligence systems. We fundamentally believe that modern edge processing and AI-enabled autonomy can perform an important set of time-critical imagery intelligence missions better, faster and more safely than humans can alone.


​Founded in 2016 in Hood River, Oregon, we support private sector companies as well as federal, state and local agencies around the world with missions ranging from wildfire mapping and disaster response to law enforcement, border security, maritime domain awareness and tactical intelligence.

 

About the Oregon Department of Forestry:

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) mission is to protect, manage, and promote stewardship of Oregon’s forests to ensure they remain healthy, resilient, and beneficial to all Oregonians. ODF focuses on sustainable management, wildfire prevention/protection on 16 million acres, and enforcing forest practices.

 
 
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