Project Flare
FLARE is our main on-going project! but we have ambitions for more in the future!
A little about FLARE!
Flare’s purpose is to be a first responder to a fire. A Wildfire roughly doubles in size every 30-60 seconds. So every minute greatly counts. If fire is observed and reported. Flare's job is to respond so rapidly that the fire never has the chance to get too large and out of control. Using the FAA system LAANC (Low altitude authorization and notification capability) and Remote ID (Automatic Transponder for UAS) would allow flare to appear on all Aircrafts devices and communicate with local ATC towers. This would ensure safety for surrounding aircraft. Flare would also play a role in spotting embers or hot-spots or used to help find lost individuals using thermal imaging. In additon, Flare can also be used as the leadplane used to direct larger tankers where to deploy water.
Flare’s Design
Flare is designed to launch from a movable platform or a stationary platform. Charged on-site and piloted by a local Firefighter. It would be likely that the FAA would require some license to operate the aircraft. But this provides an opportunity for Firefighters who may not be able to directly engage fires anymore due to age or disability. Flare would be controlled remotely with each fire station having installed a radio broadcasting tower to control them. For visuals, The pilot would be equipped with an FPV headset to have better ability to see the environment. Switching between various vision modes. Upon return, Flare would be piloted to a nose up position above the launch pad. At which point the on-board computer would Auto-Land Flare for a smooth and reliable descent every time. Also lowering the required skills needed to pilot the drone.
The Need for Flare
FLARE is not designed to be the end solution to wildfires. Airplanes and Helicopters are still needed if things get out of control. But FLARE is 100% built to be the rapid response that is needed to prevent the fire from getting beyond control. Whether it's a remote water drop directly onto the fire. Or delivering food to ground crews, it will provide the support needed to fight fires in the future.