Le FireDrone is capable of crossing through a wall of flames, and its shell enables its components to withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees. To achieve this, the scientists who developed it were inspired by nature.
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Firefighters now use drones to observe the evolution of fires, as well as for numerous other rescue missions. What drones do not yet do is rush into a building engulfed in flames to help the firefighters prepare their intervention more effectively and safely.
A team of scientists from Imperial College London and the Swiss research institute Empa has found a way to create an experimental quadcopter drone capable of withstanding flames. Their prototype “FeuDrone” can remain in the air without flinching, enduring temperatures of up to 200 degrees for about ten minutes.
In order for the aircraft to withstand these high temperatures, the researchers drew inspiration from nature, specifically from animals like penguins, polar foxes, and bombardier beetles. These animals have the ability to live in extreme temperatures, and nature has endowed them with fur, layers of fat, or other thermoregulatory protective layers.
The FireDrone in action. The drone was able to cross through a wall of flames without any issues. © Empa
A bio-inspired drone
To protect the core of the drone, the researchers thought of a layer of aerogel, an ultra-light material resembling gel but with its liquid component replaced by air. The enveloping structure of this aerogel is made of a polyimide plastic material, exactly what NASA uses to insulate astronauts’ suits. To provide more rigidity, the scientists also added silica, and the whole structure is reinforced with fiberglass.
This protective layer thermally isolates the electronics. An exterior “skin” made of aluminum also reflects heat. The protected electronics include a battery, a flight controller, a video transmitter, a radio receiver, as well as an optical camera, an infrared camera, and a CO2 sensor. The FireDrone has already been successfully tested in a firefighter training center. With its protective layer, it could also be deployed in extremely cold temperatures, whereas drones are normally grounded.
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