Unmanned Aerial Vehicle The latest drone news
Firefighters could quickly get one other software within the drone arsenal, as Thrush Aircraft and Drone America from an alliance to start growth of the world’s first autonomous air tanker.
The Best of Planes and Drones
Thrush Aircraft manufactures small manned planes; Drone America designs and manufactures business drones. “The new tanker is expected to blend Thrush’s large airframe and airborne delivery system expertise with Drone America’s “Ariel” amphibious platform – leading to an plane able to delivering some 800 gallons of water or fireplace retardant, autonomously,” says a press launch. “The aircraft will also have the ability to conduct long-duration tactical surveillance flights over a fire to give firefighters, operations managers, and public safety coordinators on the ground real-time understanding of conditions and fire behavior.”
“As the almost incomprehensible devastation of the 2017 fire season has shown, there is virtually no limit to the level of destruction to property and natural environments wildfires can cause,” stated Mike Richards, president and CEO of Drone America. “We founded our company on the belief that highly-reliable, well-integrated autonomous systems can significantly improve public and environmental safety. Our collaboration with Thrush represents a major step forward in achieving that goal, and we’re excited to be joining forces in the fight against one of our country’s most challenging foes: wildland fires.”
The “Dark Window”
Autonomous tankers have a novel benefit over manned plane – they’ll fly at night time. “Currently, only manned air tankers are used in airborne firefighting operations, and they are restricted from fighting fires during night hours,” says the announcement. “However, it is during this “dark window” that autonomous tankers can take particular benefit of the cooler night time temperatures and decreased fireplace exercise to help tactical floor operations, with out risking the lives of pilots.”
