The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has taken delivery of a multi-mission DHC-6-300 Twin Otter courtesy of AEVEX, expanding the agency's aerial wildfire detection, situational awareness and all-hazard response capabilities ahead of the 2026 fire season.

The aircraft includes a suite of advanced sensing, mapping and mission-system technologies, enabling ODF to rapidly identify new fire starts, monitor evolving conditions, and support both daytime and nighttime operations across the state. These capabilities are designed to help agency flight crews detect incidents earlier, improve real-time understanding of fire behaviour and deliver critical intelligence to firefighters and decision-makers.

“AEVEX's integration work delivers Oregon a powerful new tool to protect our communities, landscapes and the firefighters on the front lines,” says Sarah Prout, state aviation coordinator, Oregon Department of Forestry. “With expanded detection, mapping and all-hazard capabilities, we can identify threats earlier, respond faster and deliver critical intelligence across a wider range of missions, from wildfire to all-hazard emergency response. It's a significant step forward for ODF's fire aviation programme and the people we serve.”

“We're proud to support the Oregon Department of Forestry with a platform tailored to its mission,” adds Eric Padilla, vice president of aircraft modification and integration at AEVEX. “This aircraft reflects collaborative planning and engineering to provide ODF with a reliable, multi-role capability that enhances public safety and supports wildfire response efforts when time is critical.”

Following aircraft delivery, AEVEX will complete final mission-system tailoring and training with ODF personnel. The aircraft will be prepositioned in a central location, enabling rapid access to high-risk areas throughout Oregon and positioning ODF to respond quickly as conditions evolve throughout the season.

AEVEX delivered this platform by drawing upon extensive experience designing, engineering, building and certifying aerial intelligence aircraft for federal, state and international clients. By combining airframe modifications, mission-system integration and operator training under a single contractor, AEVEX provided ODF with a streamlined path to fielding a flexible, multi-role platform that can support a wide range of mission needs.

AEVEX collaborated closely with ODF throughout the development and integration process to ensure the aircraft aligns with the agency's operational needs and long-term aviation strategy. The Twin Otter platform's durability and multi-mission provisions deliver flexibility for sensor, cargo and passenger movement operations providing a foundation that can evolve with ODF's wildfire and all-hazard mission requirements for years to come.