An end-to-end intelligent decision framework for precision helicopter firefighting: integrating multidimensional evaluation and 3D route planning

While data-driven prediction models have significantly advanced forest fire spread analysis, translating complex predictive heatmaps into actionable execution commands for helicopter pilots remains a critical technical gap. This paper proposes an end-to-end intelligent decision framework tailored for precision helicopter firefighting. Shifting the focus from pure spread forecasting to operational decision-making, the framework introduces an optimal water drop point estimation algorithm based on difference extraction, adaptive segmentation, and multidimensional evaluation, successfully isolating high-value intervention zones. Furthermore, a 3D A* route planning algorithm is developed, incorporating dynamic fire constraints and helicopter kinematics into a composite heuristic cost map. System evaluations demonstrate that the automated collaborative mechanism achieves millisecond-level responsiveness. Supported by robust fallback strategies, the framework transitions aerial firefighting from experience-based blind drops to a precise, automated, and proactive operational paradigm.