Research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications

(a) Definition of unmanned aircraft system In this section, the term unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including, if applicable, communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently. (b) Research The Secretaries shall, acting through the Joint Fire Science Program, work with universities and other research institutions to carry out research and development on the wildfire response applications of unmanned aircraft systems. (c) Testing The Secretaries may coordinate with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to test an unmanned aircraft system developed under this section at an unmanned aircraft test range in accordance with section 44803 of title 49, United States Code. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretaries such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

(a) Definition of unmanned aircraft system In this section, the term unmanned aircraft system means an unmanned aircraft and associated elements (including, if applicable, communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are required for the operator to operate safely and efficiently. (b) Research The Secretaries shall, acting through the Joint Fire Science Program, work with universities and other research institutions to carry out research and development on the wildfire response applications of unmanned aircraft systems. (c) Testing The Secretaries may coordinate with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to test an unmanned aircraft system developed under this section at an unmanned aircraft test range in accordance with section 44803 of title 49, United States Code. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretaries such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.