Russian engineers have proposed extinguishing fires using drones that explode directly inside burning buildings. The drone is designed to penetrate premises where conventional fire-fighting equipment cannot reach the fire, and to knock down the flames with a shock wave, simultaneously spraying fire-extinguishing powder. The development was created at the Kazan National Research Technical University named after A. N. Tupolev (KNITU-KAI). However, this method has limitations, as the explosion can damage surrounding structures and equipment, and the technology needs to be thoroughly tested before use, experts believe.
Unlike conventional fire extinguishing agents that deliver water or other compounds to the source from the outside, the new drone is designed to operate directly inside the premises. The vertical take-off and landing apparatus was developed using special propeller-motor solutions that provide it with maneuverability.
The drone can be launched from unprepared sites. For example, it can take off from a cramped courtyard, from a roof, or from the balcony of an adjacent building, if this allows it to reach the source of the fire.
Firefighting kamikaze drones have an elongated, rocket-like body
Such a shape reduces air resistance, and a reinforced pointed front part helps to break through obstacles on the way to the fire. According to Ilfir Abdullin, associate professor of the Department of Aircraft Structures and Design at KNITU-KAI, the apparatus will be able to break double-glazed windows, as well as plasterboard and plastic partitions.
Inside the drone are special fire-fighting compounds with igniting cords. Upon contact with flames, they activate the system, after which the apparatus body is destroyed by an explosion. The detonation wave spreads outwards, knocking down the flames and displacing oxygen necessary for combustion. Simultaneously, fire-extinguishing powder is sprayed into the room.
This method can be useful where it is difficult to deliver conventional fire-fighting equipment. Among the possible application areas, the developers name the upper floors of high-rise buildings, deep corridors, and elevator shafts. Drones can also help if parked cars prevent firefighters from approaching the building.
Another task is to work in places where rescuers risk their lives and health
For example, drones can be directed into premises with a threat of structural collapse or a dangerous concentration of combustion products. For fighting large fires, developers propose using several apparatuses at once.
As Artem Bogatyrev, an expert of the NTI "Aeronet" market, noted, fire services have already tested drones capable of lifting fire hoses to burning premises. But such devices operate outside the building and are limited by hose length. The new approach assumes that the drone can fly inside. While the fire crew climbs the stairs, the drone can potentially knock down part of the flames and facilitate further work for rescuers.
However, flying inside a burning building can be associated with difficulties
Due to smoke, it is difficult for the operator to control the apparatus, so special means will be required. In addition, hot air creates strong turbulent flows that can disrupt flight stability. According to Bogatyrev, before practical application, the technology needs to be tested at training grounds.
There are also safety requirements. Before launch, firefighters must ensure that no people remain in the burning and adjacent premises. The presence of pyrotechnic elements on board will also require a special procedure for operator admission. Separate rules of application may be developed for such apparatuses.
Alexey Karfidov, head of the Department of Engineering of Technological Equipment at NUST MISIS, noted that explosive drones are already in demand in the military sphere, and now a similar principle is proposed for civilian tasks. In his opinion, before application, it is necessary to learn how to quickly assess the situation and predict the consequences of an explosion for nearby objects and structures.
The technology may be of particular interest for hazardous facilities, including nuclear power plants. According to Vladimir Zenin, deputy director of the research center in the field of artificial intelligence in the direction of "Transport and Logistics" at MEPhI, drones could deliver fire extinguishing agents to hard-to-reach areas, inspect premises without risk to personnel, and work where it is difficult to access due to radiation, chemical, and other factors.
But an explosion inside a room itself creates additional risks. It is necessary to select body materials so that its destruction does not lead to a dangerous scattering of fragments and does not damage equipment and cable systems. In addition, before launch, it is necessary to assess the situation and possible consequences for surrounding structures. As an alternative, Zenin suggested considering complexes of autonomous drones with remote control, artificial intelligence, and machine vision.