10 Mar Abu Dhabi Civil Defence launches drones with thermal imaging to help fight tower fires
The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence has announced plans to launch drones to support with putting out fires in high-rise buildings.
The strategy will include the use of two hi-tech innovative drones to douse fire in buildings of up to 800 metres height. The aircrafts are expected to have split technology; one with thermal imaging and the other with light missiles to identify and clear obstructions at the fire site.
First Warrant Officer Mouza Khalifa told Khaleej Times: “These drones have been made by using the most advanced technologies. They have successfully completed the trial phase and await regulatory approvals. It should be added to our service later this year,” First Warrant Officer.”
The drones will use the latest technology to help fight fires and support the emergency services by utilising thermal imaging, sensors and hi-definition cameras.
Khalifa continued: “They have sensors. There’s thermal imaging to detect the hot spots and cameras to take photos. This will assist the team on the ground and in the operations room to deal with the situation with utmost efficiency and speed.
“It covers a radius of 9 cubic metres and carries 15 gallons of foam or powder to put out the fire. It can be up in the air for up to 50 minutes. There is a substitute battery in case it runs low on power. It can return, recharge and then fly back to duty.”
The second drone of the two will feature cameras and light missiles to first detect and then destroy any blockages.
Khalifa explained: “The second drone we have is the one with twin missiles in it. This will be used in cases where we find any blockage at the site of fire. This drone will be deployed. It will be up in the air to the height of 800 metres, the camera will help to detect the spot and light missiles will be fired to clear any form of obstructions.
The drone is also attached with a hose, which will enable it to douse the fire.”
These drones are in addition to other advancements for the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence team when fighting fires. Previous upgrades have included the TAF35 firefighting robot, which was added to the force in 2020. The robot, which features a turbine mounted on a caterpillar vehicle and operated by remote control, is primarily used for firefighting but has been also deployed to disinfect vast areas.