AEVEX Aerospace delivers $12.3M wildfire detection platform to Oregon

AEVEX (NYSE:AVEX) announced the delivery of a $12.3 million multi-mission DHC-6-300 Twin Otter aircraft to the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), providing specialized airborne data gathering capabilities just as the region enters its peak summer wildfire cycle.

The Solana Beach, California-based defense and aerospace contractor managed the entire integration process from its California modification facilities, combining airframe overhauls, sensor integration, and specialized crew training under a single delivery contract.

The newly fielded aircraft replaces ODF’s aging Partenavia P.68 Observer aircraft, which is slated for decommissioning after more than three decades of continuous service.

To convert the standard utility airframe into a dedicated aerial intelligence vehicle, AEVEX integrated $5.4 million in advanced electronics and imaging subsystems.

The payload includes artificial intelligence-enabled wide-area mapping equipment, high-definition thermal infrared imagers, and augmented reality mapping software designed to overlay geographic data over real-time video feeds.

These mission tools enable flight crews to locate hidden spot fires through heavy smoke and track evolving ground threats during both daytime and nighttime flight conditions.

Following initial delivery, AEVEX engineers will work alongside ODF personnel to finalize custom software configurations and complete local flight checkouts.