AutoFlight developes firefighting drone

Global eVTOL pioneer AutoFlight has announced the launch of a high-payload firefighting program and released a fully functional prototype.

With a maximum take-off weight of two metric tons, the firefighting model is designed to lift a 400kg payload over a distance of up to 200km and can reach speeds in excess of 200km/h.

It can transport four high-performance fire-extinguishing canisters, each weighing 100kg, with the capacity to extinguish fires covering up to 200m² individually. This means that in a single payload, the four canisters can collectively extinguish fires spanning up to 800m².

The firefighting model is based on the CarryAll, AutoFlight’s cargo eVTOL, for which Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certification is expected by early 2024.

Kellen Xie, senior vice president, global sales and business development at AutoFlight said: “Compared to existing fire-fighting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles available in the market, AutoFlight's prototype has achieved significant breakthroughs in terms of load capacity, flight duration, coverage, flight efficiency and firefighting effectiveness. The initial demonstrations with potential customers received very encouraging feedback.

“We will now enter discussions with clients and development partners to evolve the prototype into product, including ground station and supporting systems.”

Mr Xie added that units can now be sold for joint development by firefighting organisations for operation in 2024.

https://autoflight.com