Oregon Department of Aviation and Yamaha sign a deal to explore the use of unmanned helicopters to fight wildfires
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Aviation said Thursday it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. to explore the potential use of Yamaha’s FAZER SAR unmanned helicopter for wildfire mitigation and suppression in the state of Oregon.
Here's the announcement, in full:
As wildfire seasons grow more intense and unpredictable, the need for innovative, flexible, and scalable tools becomes increasingly urgent. This partnership marks an important step in evaluating how beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can support rapid-response operations for small and emerging wildfires—especially in remote or high-risk regions—and in looking at new opportunities under the recently released Part 108 NPRM.
The Yamaha FAZER SAR is a medium-lift unmanned helicopter platform capable of carrying payloads, performing complex aerial maneuvers, and operating under FAA exemptions for specialized missions. Through this MOU, ODAV and Yamaha will jointly explore the feasibility of using this aircraft to conduct targeted missions to help suppress wildfires during their earliest and most critical stages.
“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 include operational feasibility, regulatory pathways with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), payload integration, and coordination with emergency response partners. Demonstration activities or pilot programs may follow, pending the outcome of initial assessments.
Both ODAV and Yamaha emphasize that this agreement is non-binding and does not commit either party to procurement or deployment. Rather, it represents a shared intent to pursue safe, responsible, and effective innovations in the interest of protecting Oregon’s communities and natural resources.
About Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV)
The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) serves as the state’s lead agency for aviation system planning, airport infrastructure development, and emerging aeronautical technologies. ODAV supports 96 public-use airports across Oregon and works closely with federal, state, and local partners to ensure a safe, resilient, and efficient aviation network. In addition to traditional aviation responsibilities, ODAV is spearheading efforts to integrate innovative technologies such as uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) into Oregon’s airspace. Through strategic planning, regulatory coordination, and community engagement, the agency plays a critical role in supporting economic development, emergency response, and statewide connectivity.
About Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor is a global leader in a wide range of recreational, commercial and industrial products, including remotely piloted helicopters. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., is headquartered in Cypress, Calif., and operates facilities throughout the United States. Website: www.yamaha-motor.com
