To address the low accuracy and slow speed of the traditional adaptive Canny algorithm in selecting the threshold value, an improved algorithm is herein proposed. The proposed algorithm utilizes the Otsu and fast fireworks algorithm (FFWA) to automatically set the high and low detection thresholds and the connecting edges. Consequently, the explosion radius, the production method, and selection strategy are improved as compared to those of the traditional fireworks algorithm, thereby increasing the speed and accuracy of the Otsu calculation. The experimental results show that the calculation speed of the fast fireworks algorithm increased by 36% as compared to that of the traditional fireworks algorithm. Moreover, the stability also increased considerably. The improved adaptive Canny algorithm not only maintains the same precision but also decreases the calculation time by 49%. This makes the result of edge detection of aircraft skin infrared images more ideal.