The Novosibirsk company "Precision Farming Systems" has developed an innovative system for extinguishing fires using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system uses powder projectiles that are dropped from drones onto burning objects, while the drone is able to accurately calculate the distance to the target and the height for the drop.
For this purpose, the company adapted agricultural drones, usually used for fertilizing. Instead of chemicals, they are equipped with powder charges, which, when dropped, break up into two hemispheres, effectively extinguishing the flame.
The system also includes controllers that program the drop height, as well as the ability to detonate charges in the air to increase extinguishing efficiency.
In tests conducted with the participation of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the drone rose 10 meters to drop powder and create a fire protection strip. The company plans to create several versions of the system with different carrying capacities (from 10-15 kg to more than 30 kg).
In addition to extinguishing fires, the system can be used to deliver hoses to high-rise buildings, which greatly helps firefighters, as well as to rescue people in burning buildings. The developers also plan to improve the accuracy of the drop and the stabilization of drones so that they are less susceptible to wind.
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