Fire Management
Successful Deployment Ignition Spheres
hectares successfully burned for fuel reduction
Litres per minute flow rate of ignited combustible mix
TDS “Vhagar” Drone
Fuel Reduction Burning
Our Aerial Drip Torch and Incendiary Drones remotely execute targeted fuel reduction burns in vulnerable land areas to reduce the risk of bushfire disaster. We collaborate with ground crews to quickly map proposed areas before burning, identifying potential hotspots.
We then deploy either our “Ignis” or Aerial Drip Torch Drone to precisely target areas prone to wildfires. Our method is not only safer but also protects local species and vegetation, reducing environmental damage.
Drone Features
Advanced Mapping Capabilities
We use advanced mapping to assess areas before controlled burns, accurately evaluating risks to local flora and fauna.
By mapping terrain and vegetation beforehand, we ensure precise and environmentally considerate operations. This approach enhances safety during burns and promotes responsible land management, preserving biodiversity and ecological balance.
Thermal Imaging
We use advanced thermal imaging to identify hotspots after controlled burns. By detecting elevated temperatures, we assess burn effectiveness and monitor re-ignition risks.
This data helps us quickly mitigate fire threats and aid ecosystem recovery. Thermal imaging improves burn assessment and supports sustainable land management.
Ignis Drone
We drop a payload of ping-pong ball-sized ignition spheres filled with potassium permanganate. Before being dropped to the ground, individual spheres are injected with ethylene glycol starting a chemical reaction that causes them to ignite some 30-40 seconds later.
Vhagar
‘Vhagar’ TDS’ Custom Aerial Drip Torch Drone can complement the Ignis or operate independently. This innovative drone is equipped to remotely release a flammable liquid, which ignites immediately.
This capability allows for controlled and targeted ignition of areas that require a hotter flame, aiding in controlled burns, fire management, and vegetation control efforts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the max flight time?
Vhagar has a maximum flight time of 1 hour without payload and 30 minutes with full payload.
What is the capacity of the drone and flow rate?
Vhagar holds up to 20 litres of liquid napalm and releases it at a flow rate of 7-8 litres per minute, ensuring efficient and rapid ignition upon ground impact.
This can also be adapted to client needs.
Why would I need a drip torch drone over ignis balls?
Vhagar allows for burning in unfavorable conditions in shoulder seasons and allows to burn denser fuels that the balls can’t ignite.
TRUSTED BY BUSINESSES & ORGANISATIONS
FIRE FORESIGHT
XPRIZE Wildfire - Autonomous Fire Response
TDS is proud to be part of Fire Foresight, a global joint venture selected as one of 15 semifinalists in the $11M XPRIZE Wildfire Autonomous Challenge.
Our wildfire management solution is a rapid-response system — first, an autonomous drone is deployed to assess the threat level once smoke is detected. If the spotfire is deemed dangerous, a second suppression drone is sent to extinguish it. TDS drones are engineered to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in complex terrains and adverse weather conditions.
FIRE FORESIGHT SYSTEM
Satellite Fire Risk Mapping
Our Fire Foresight platform leverages satellite data processing to map fire risk areas in near-real-time, powered by edge computing software from our partner Little Place Labs. This provides critical intelligence to emergency responders before a fire starts.
AI-Powered Fire Detection
Machine vision technology from our partner Robotics Cats identifies early-stage fires using AI-powered image recognition, enabling faster detection than traditional methods.
Autonomous Suppression Drones
TDS provides the autonomous suppression capability using custom-built drone swarms that can operate in extreme terrains. Our drones deploy water payloads directly onto spot fires, containing them before they spread.
Real-Time Command Platform
All subsystems are connected via private 5G networks with encrypted, real-time data exchange. Our partner Indicium Dynamics provides the data orchestration layer that generates actionable insights for emergency responders.
TDS CAPABILITIES
Our Capabilities
TDS delivers a full suite of advanced drone capabilities for fire management and emergency services. From thermal imaging for hotspot detection to LIDAR mapping of fire-prone terrain — we provide the tools and training to keep your operations ahead of the threat.
CAPABILITIES INFO PACK
Thermal Imaging & Inspections
Radiometric thermal cameras detect hotspots, fire perimeters, and re-ignition risks with precision. Our thermal payloads provide real-time temperature mapping during active fire events and post-burn monitoring, enabling ground crews to make informed decisions about containment and mop-up operations.
LIDAR Surveying
High-density LIDAR scanning maps terrain, canopy structure, and fuel loads across fire-prone landscapes. This data is critical for fire behaviour modelling, identifying defensible space, planning containment lines, and post-fire damage assessments. LIDAR penetrates dense vegetation to deliver ground-level terrain models essential for fire management planning.
Photogrammetry & 3D Mapping
Aerial photogrammetry delivers high-resolution orthomosaics and 3D terrain models for pre-burn planning, fire behaviour analysis, and post-fire recovery monitoring. Accurately map burn boundaries, calculate burn severity, and track regeneration over time with georeferenced aerial surveys.
CASA-Certified Drone Training
TDS provides CASA-certified Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) training tailored to fire and emergency services. We train your crew to safely operate drones for fire monitoring, mapping, and situational awareness — building in-house capability for rapid deployment during fire season. Our courses cover regulatory compliance, mission planning, and fire-specific operational procedures.
LET’S CHAT DRONES
Fill in the form below and a team member will be in touch or Shoot us an email admin@tazdronesolutions.com or phone US 0438 725 147