The helicopter (similar aircraft pictured) was located after a search by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Challenger rescue jet, as well as a Victorian Air Ambulance helicopter and a local skydiving aircraft, the ABC has reported.
Both companies demonstrated the helicopter’s ability to be commanded to take-off, identify the location and size of a small fire, and then accurately drop water to suppress the flames.
The demonstration took place in France and Italy from 30 September to 9 October and involved multiple manned helicopters and unmanned systems connected to a single network.