Travis Air Force Base to use 500 drones for Independence Day display
While using fireworks to mark July Fourth dates back to 1777, one US Air Force Base is set to give their display a modern twist.
Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, has been working with Intel to replace explosives with 500 drones.
In celebration of July Fourth and Travis Air Force Base's 75th anniversary, tonight they will take to the skies in a choreographed aerial routine that honors active military and veterans.
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Intel Shooting Star drones create a U.S. flag during 2018 Independence Day celebration rehearsals on June 28 at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.
The display will use the same Intel Shooting Star drones seen at the Superbowl and the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
'The story of the Air Force is a story of innovation, said Col. John Klein, Travis Air Force Base installation commander.
'With Travis in close proximity to Silicon Valley, the base strives to develop relationships and to play an active role in Northern California's innovation ecosystem.
'For our 75th anniversary and as a way of saying thank you for the unprecedented community support, we wanted to treat our friends and family to a special Independence Day celebration – Intel's vision to reimagine fireworks with cutting-edge drone technology was a natural fit for our airmen and audience.'
The purpose-built 'shooting star' quadcopter drone is equipped with LED lights that can create over 4 billion color combinations and easily be programmed for any animation.
Intel kicked-off the Olympic Winter Games with a Guinness World Records title-breaking performance of more than 1,200 drones flown simultaneously during a pre-recorded broadcast for the opening ceremony.
the Intel Shooting Star drones soared to celebrate the Olympians at nightly victory ceremonies – when weather and logistics permitted – creating illustrations of Soohorang, the PyeongChang logo and athletes such as skiers, hockey players and curlers across the nighttime sky
Each drone communicates wirelessly with a central computer to execute its dance routine, oblivious to what the hundreds of machines around it are doing.
Intel says the display will also be more inclusive that a traditional firework display.
'It can be enjoyed by all families, especially those with sensitives to the sounds of firework explosions.'
It also said the display is more eco friendly.
'While fireworks amaze audiences of all ages, there are pollution and safety concerns and the loud sound effects are sometimes unsettling to humans and animals alike,' said Anil Nanduri of Intel's drone team.
'This partnership showcases how Intel's advanced drone technologies are making strides to positively impact the world and create new entertainment experiences for all audiences.'