Google seeking FAA approval to test drones for fire-fighting, monitoring operations

Google is seeking permission from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to test drones for fire-fighting and monitoring operations.

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According to a Wednesday filing by the tech giant’s Research Climate and Energy Group, the company would conduct the testing at a confined private property in Firebaugh, California, using the HSE-UAV M8A Pro unmanned aircraft system.

The HSE-UAV M8A Pro, manufactured by Homeland Surveillance and Electronics LLC, is used for agricultural purposes like spraying chemicals on crops and could potentially be filled with water to put out fires.

When full, the HSE-UAV M8A Pro can carry 20 liters of liquid, or 5 gallons, and fly for approximately eight to 15 minutes. The drone’s sprayer can typically cover 28 to 36 acres per hour. The HSE-UAV M8A Pro weighs between 55 and 98.8 pounds.

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Utilizing drone technology to fight and monitor fires is the latest effort being undertaken by Google. Wing, a subsidiary owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc., received FAA approval in 2019 for a drone delivery service. Wing drones have previously been used to deliver food and medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Represenatives for both Google and the FAA did not immediately return FOX Business’ requests for comment.

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Drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector, with over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.