AutoFlight (峰飞航空科技), a domestic eVTOL pioneer, yesterday introduced what it said is the world’s first aerial firefighting solutions employing its 2-ton eVTOL aircraft Carryall.
The aircraft features a big capacity, long range, high efficiency, full autonomy as well as vertical and forward propulsion, among other benefits considered optimal to intelligent aerial firefighting.
Designed as a cargo-carrying eVTOL model, Carryall can transport goods of up to 500 kg, according to the company’s website.
After being notified of a fire incident, the aircraft takes off and shifts into a mode of horizontal propulsion. It cruises at about 200 kph until arriving at the fire scene.
Then the aircraft undergoes a transition back into vertical flight, whereupon it hovers above the fire-hit area.
After zeroing in on the flames, Carryall will drop fire-extinguishing bombs to put out the blaze.
Once the fire is brought under control, the aircraft again changes back into forward flight and leaves the scene.
AutoFlight said in a corporate statement that compared to firefighting drones in the market, Carryall has achieved major breakthroughs in load capacity, endurance, range, flight and firefighting efficiency.
With a maximum take-off mass (MTOM) of 2,000 kg and fully electric, the eVTOL is easy to repair and requires low maintainance costs.
It carries up to four high-performing fire-extinguishing bombs, each weighing 100 kg and capable of taming flames engulfing 200 sqm of land.
AutoFlight said Carryall can reach areas inaccessible to fire engines, especially in forests, on grasslands, on highways and in factories.
Boasting a “lift and cruise” operational mode known for flexibility, wide coverage and compatibility with mounts like AI cameras, Carryall has unique advantages relative to a suite of modern-day firefighting methods.
Aside from smart firefighting, Carryall has also been widely used in low-altitude logistics and emergency relief transit.
Under an incremental strategy of cargo delivery first, to be followed by passenger transportation, AutoFlight will also press its Carryall fleet into a wider range of services, in a bid to empower more sector with eVTOL technologies, it said.
