Airview Fire Recon Introduces New “Firebird” Aircraft to Support NSW Rural Fire Service

Airview Fire Recon (AFR) has announced the arrival of a newly equipped Eurocopter AS350B “Firebird”, significantly enhancing aerial intelligence capability ahead of the upcoming New South Wales fire seasons.

The aircraft has been purpose-built for aerial fire reconnaissance and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) operations, integrating the latest sensor and transmission technologies to support frontline firefighting efforts.

At the platform's core is a gyro-stabilised Cineflex Magnum multi-sensor system, which delivers high-definition daylight and mid-wave cooled thermal imaging. This is complemented by MRC microwave downlink systems and a directional long-range antenna pod, enabling reliable, real-time transmission of live video and data from the aircraft directly to ground-based command centres.

Operating from AFR’s corporate hangar at Sydney Airport, the Firebird will be deployed under an exclusive-use contract with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) for the next five fire seasons.

In a first for Australian bushfire reconnaissance, the aircraft will provide continuous, real-time aerial surveillance of both emerging and ongoing bushfire events across the state, transmitting live feeds directly to RFS Headquarters. This capability is designed to enhance situational awareness, support faster decision-making, and improve coordination between air and ground firefighting resources.

AFR’s operational team will be on standby throughout the summer daylight hours, with the capability to respond rapidly to taskings anywhere within New South Wales. The objective is to achieve airborne deployment within six minutes of notification, ensuring timely intelligence delivery during critical early stages of fire events.

The introduction of this new platform underscores AFR’s commitment to supporting the NSW RFS and the broader community with advanced aerial intelligence capability, helping protect lives, property, and infrastructure during increasingly complex fire seasons.

AFR looks forward to bringing this enhanced capability to New South Wales firefighters and the communities they serve, reinforcing the role of real-time aerial intelligence in modern bushfire response.