Full Breakdown
California Test Demonstrates Israeli Collision-Avoidance Tech for Firefighting Helicopters
By Drooid · · How we work
California Demonstration Shows Promise for Collision Avoidance
In August 2026, HeliStream — a California-based helicopter operator that provides pilot training, utility work, power-line inspections and aerial firefighting — completed a flight test of Ciconia’s Collision and Conflict Avoidance System (CCAS) in San Bernardino County, the largest county in the United States by area. The demonstration simulated congested airspace with multiple helicopters, water-dropping planes and a large drone equipped with the same system. Pilots reported that the technology identified genuine collision threats, generated specific evasive maneuvers and adjusted instantly when an aircraft changed course.
Background: Growing Collision Risks in Aerial Firefighting
U.S. firefighting fleets now include more than 200 civilian Black Hawk helicopters, many of which operate under visual-flight-rules in smoke-filled, mountainous terrain. The increasing presence of drones—both agency-operated for mapping and unauthorized civilian aircraft—has added a new safety hazard. Pilots must also contend with limited situational-awareness tools; conventional ADS-B and Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) provide target locations but do not prioritize threats or suggest avoidance paths.
Data & Statistics
- 200+ civilian Black Hawk helicopters are active in the United States, primarily for firefighting missions.
- A collision on August 2, 2026 near Athens, Greece, killed two crew members when two firefighting helicopters struck each other.
- A prior U.S. accident involving a Sikorsky Skycrane and a Bell 407 resulted in the death of the smaller aircraft’s crew.
- During training flights, pilots sometimes encounter seven or eight aircraft in close proximity, leading some to disable existing warning systems.
Official Statements & Responses
Ciconia CEO Col. (res.) Moshe Cohen emphasized that the system’s decentralized architecture allows it to function without reliance on centralized air-traffic management, making it suitable for remote wildfire zones. Chief test pilot Lt.
HeliStream chief pilot Andreas Moser said the demonstration “exceeded all my expectations,” highlighting the rapid reaction to unexpected aircraft maneuvers and the system’s ability to keep pilots focused on mission objectives rather than managing multiple alerts. He added that HeliStream plans to equip its fleet with CCAS, though purchase details and delivery timelines have not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All it takes is for someone to think they have seen a drone in the air, and all firefighting operations are stopped until its location is confirmed or it has left the area,” — Andreas Moser, HeliStream's chief pilot
- “Sometimes, during training or in crowded airspace with seven or eight aircraft, we have no choice but to turn off the warning system,” — Andreas Moser, HeliStream's chief pilot
- “The strength of Ciconia is that it doesn't rely on centralized management,” — Andreas Moser, HeliStream's chief pilot
- “The speed with which it reacted to changes in proximity and flight direction was simply impressive.” — Gil Yanai
- “The system allowed the pilots to operate freely,” — Lt. Gil Yanai
- “When you go out to fight a fire, your primary mission should be fighting the fire,” — Andreas Moser, HeliStream's chief pilot
What's Next
Following the successful test, HeliStream intends to install Ciconia’s CCAS across its helicopter fleet. The rollout will occur as the company expands firefighting operations, but no specific acquisition schedule has been announced.