Desarrollo de un producto de extinción de incendios para su lanzamiento desde drones autónomos

An innovative Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) from the UK specialising in autonomous aerial firefighting solutions requires chemical engineering expertise. The partner is needed to research and develop efficient fire extinguishment media, such as foams, retardants, or additives, optimized for low-payload UAV delivery in dynamic wildfire environments. Cooperation is sought via a research cooperation agreement or an investment agreement.

UK SME seeks chemical engineering partner for high-efficiency wildfire extinguishment media, delivered by autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The company is a UK SME developing an end-to-end solution for combating wildfires utilizing autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) purpose-built for active fire extinguishment. The solution includes detection, autonomous response, and precise payload delivery. The aircraft are designed for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and are equipped with advanced avionics and sensors to ensure accurate micro-positioning over fire hotspots. The overall solution has currently reached the lab tested stage. The company seeks specialized knowledge in chemical engineering to address the critical need for an effective fire extinguishment media. Research is required to find the best formulation, whether it be a foam, water additive, or fire retardant. The primary technical challenge is optimizing the trade-off between the effectiveness of the media and the constraints imposed by UAV payload capacity. The media must be compatible with drone delivery systems and ideally weigh less than 40 kg, though solutions up to 100 kg may be considered for future combustion engine helicopter platforms. The delivery method must be effective in outdoor applications, ensuring the media is delivered accurately despite obstructions like canopy or tree branches. For example, the company is interested in applying concepts such as fire extinguishment bombs (spheres that spread foam) previously limited to indoor use, to outdoor wildfire scenarios. The company is seeking: • A research cooperation agreement or investment agreement with academic or industrial partners who possess specialised knowledge in chemical engineering. This expertise is specifically required because this background is not available internally within the company. Through this collaboration, the partners will pool their R and D capacities to address the critical need for an effective fire extinguishment media. The primary focus of the research is to find the best formulation, whether that be a foam, water additive, or fire retardant. Cooperation is necessary to optimise the essential trade-off between the media s effectiveness and the constraints imposed by UAV payload capacity. The ultimate desired outcome of this international partnership is the successful integration of a scientifically validated, high-efficiency extinguishing product into the company s aerial system. This validation effort will also involve tackling challenges related to effective outdoor delivery, potentially adapting concepts like fire extinguishment bombs for wildfire scenarios. Advantages and innovation Technical Specification or Expertise Sought Expertise: Specific expertise in chemical engineering is required for R and D concerning fire extinguishment media. Requirements: The media must be optimized for UAV delivery systems, balancing weight and chemical effectiveness. Solutions should target payload constraints, ideally under 40 kg, but potentially up to 100 kg for larger UAV platforms. The technical solution must account for effective dispersal in outdoor wildfire conditions, ensuring adequate penetration of vegetation.