Interagency Fire UAS Ordering – 2/7/2024

Beginning 2024 - all UAS will now be ordered as Aircraft A#s and rostered with UAS positions (subordinates).  

Important:  UAS Orders should be coordinated with the Regional UAS Specialist or Agency Representative for efficiency.  See the Regional Contacts page for more information.  

For general information about UAS on Wildland Fire Incidents, see IA-IB 21-07 "Wildland Fire UAS Briefing for Aviation Personnel"

Federal UAS ordering scenarios:

1. Agency UAS for situational awareness/IR/mapping 
2. Agency UAS for aerial ignition
3. CWN contract UAS for large fire

Note:  For crews with attached UAS, contact the appropriate Regional UAS Specialist for ordering guidance.  Scenarios may vary.  

See below for ordering specifics on each type of scenario.  

More information about UAS Typing and available aircraft is available from the Systems page. 

Guidelines and Notes for UAS Ordering

• Orders will be placed through your respective dispatch ordering unit.
• UAS Orders should be coordinated with the Regional UAS Specialist or Agency Representative for efficiency.
• UAS personnel are in high demand. Please order trainees when approved/possible to help build the future capacity of the interagency UAS program.
• Cooperators wishing to fly UAS on federally managed incidents must have a Cooperator letter issued by DOI or USFS.

Scenario 1:  Agency UAS for Situational Awareness/IR/Small Area Mapping

UAS Type 3 or 4, Ordered as an A Number  

Contact Regional UAS Specialist or Agency Representative for efficiency. 

If resources are available, A# will be filled with UAS aircraft and rostered with 2 or more UAS positions.   

Place the orders below through your respective dispatch/ordering unit: 

• UAR3 - Unmanned Aircraft, Rotor Wing, Type 3

OR

• UAR4 - Unmanned Aircraft, Rotor Wing, Type 4

In the Special Needs section note:

• Specify Type 3 or 4 with desired capabilities.  Example: Need Type 3 UAS with EO and IR capabilities.
• Other small UAS, sensors, support equipment, cell phone, tablets, televisions, laptops authorized per 41 CFR 102 33.20 
• Large SUV/Pickup Truck, off road capable rental vehicle or NERV large SUV/Pickup Truck (emergency operations only), off road capable vehicle authorized. 

Available Type 3 and 4 UAS:

• M-600 (Type 3, DOI)
• Alta X (Type 3, USFS)
• Mavic (Type 4)
• Anafi (Type 4)
• Switchblade (Type 4, USFS)

Scenario 2:  Agency UAS for Aerial Ignition

UAS Type 3, Ordered as an A number

Contact Regional UAS Specialist or Agency Representative for efficiency.

If resources are available, A# will be filled with UAS aircraft and rostered with 2 or more UAS Aerial Ignition Pilots.   

Place the orders below through your respective dispatch/ordering unit:

• UAR3 - Unmanned Aircraft, Rotor Wing, Type 3

In the Special Needs section, note:

• Type 3 with Aerial Ignition PSD Machine and IR/EO Camera Sensor
• Other small UAS, sensors, support equipment, cell phone, tablets, televisions, laptops authorized per 41 CFR 102 33.20 
• Large SUV/Pickup Truck, off road capable rental vehicle or NERV large SUV/Pickup Truck (emergency operations only), off road capable vehicle authorized. 

Aerial Ignition Type 3 UAS are also capable of Situational Awareness/IR/Small Area Mapping missions.

Scenario 3:  Call When Needed Contract UAS

Type 1 or 2, Ordered as an A Number

• CWN UAS are a national resource and must be ordered through the NICC Aircraft Desk. 
• Order either Unmanned Aircraft, Fixed Wing Type 1 or Fixed Wing Type 2.

If resources are available, A# will be filled with UAS aircraft and rostered with a Manager (UASM) and a Data Specialist (UASD).   

In the Special Needs section, note:

• Cell phone, tablets, laptops authorized.
• Large SUV/Pickup Truck, off road capable rental vehicle or NERV large SUV/Pickup Truck (emergency operations only), off road capable vehicle authorized.
• Trainees authorized.