Autonomous drone swarms for forest fire fighting

Research Autonomous drone swarms for forest fire fighting

2025-02-24 Source: Munich University of Applied Sciences | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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The devastating forest fires in Los Angeles have once again highlighted the urgency of efficient fire-fighting methods. A new idea now comes from Germany.

The ultralight helicopter CoAX 600 from Edm Aerotec, after conversion to autonomous operation, will no longer transport people but will carry a specially developed water tank.(Image: Marcel Mende/Munich University of Applied Sciences) — The ultralight helicopter CoAX 600 from Edm Aerotec, after conversion to autonomous operation, will no longer transport people but will carry a specially developed water tank.
(Image: Marcel Mende/Munich University of Applied Sciences)

The increasing intensity of wildfires worldwide poses major challenges for fire departments and disaster relief. Traditional firefighting methods with manned aircraft and helicopters are dangerous and often inefficient. The Aider research project at Munich University of Applied Sciences has therefore developed an autonomous solution: swarms of unmanned ultralight helicopters are set to specifically combat wildfires in the future—around the clock and without endangering emergency personnel.

The Aider project team, led by Alexander Knoll and Daniel Ossmann, equips ultralight helicopters with AI-controlled flight guidance algorithms. Each drone can carry up to 200 liters (52.83 gallons ) of water and use sensors to analyze the fire's progress, allowing firefighting strategies to be adjusted in real-time. Twelve drones, organized into four swarms, operate in a coordinated manner from a mobile command center. The advantages: efficient resource use, continuous firefighting—even at night—and a significantly reduced risk for emergency personnel. A first prototype is expected to be developed by 2026.

"Besides significantly reducing the risk for emergency personnel, it enables continuous fire fighting—even at night. Furthermore, the precise control of firefighting drones ensures more efficient use of water resources," says Knoll.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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