Global eVTOL pioneer AutoFlight today announced the launch of a high-payload firefighting program and released a fully functional prototype.
The firefighting model is based on the Chinese company’s cargo eVTOL, CarryAll, for which Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) certification is expected by early 2024. With a maximum takeoff weight of two metric tons (MTOW), AutoFlight’s firefighting model is designed to lift a 400kg payload over a distance of up to 200km and can reach speeds more than 200km/h. It can transport four high-performance fire-extinguishing canisters, each weighing 100kg, with the capacity to extinguish fires covering up to 200 sq/m individually. This means that in a single payload, the four canisters can collectively extinguish fires spanning up to 800 sq/m.
“Compared to existing fire-fighting Unmanned Aerial Vehicles available in the market, AutoFlight’s prototype has achieved significant breakthroughs in terms of load capacity, flight duration, coverage, flight efficiency and firefighting effectiveness,” said Kellen Xie, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Business Development at AutoFlight. “The initial demonstrations with potential customers received very encouraging feedback. We will now enter discussions with clients and development partners to evolve the prototype into product, including ground station and supporting systems.”
AutoFlight is a global high-tech startup dedicated to developing and manufacturing electric aerial vehicles to provide safe and reliable logistics systems and urban air mobility solutions for people. AutoFlight uses its experience with artificial intelligence, 5G, breakthrough materials, and advanced manufacturing in the drone market to drive developments in the eVTOL industry.
