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Student Designer
University Product Description and Principal Function(s) The FireEye UAV for the Rural Fire Service introduces a new tool to the future of fire mitigation and management in Australia. Incorporating innovative aerodynamics, intelligent flight sensing and modular interchangeable payloads all in a unit that may be quickly deployed near a fire, the FireEye will greatly improve the flow of information and communication about the nature of a bushfire in real time, helping the RFS to minimize the potential of bushfire to affect life, property, and the biodiversity of the Australian environment.Why does the product represent design excellence and why do you believe it deserves an Australian Design Award? Bushfires have been part of Australia’s environment for millions of years. Our natural ecosystems have evolved with fire, and our landscapes and their biological diversity have been shaped by both historical and recent patterns of fire. With climate change upon us there is evidence to suggest an increase in the frequency, intensity and size of bushfires in much of Australia in the future.To minimize the adverse effects of bushfire, rural fire authorities have to consider the three concepts of fire prevention, mitigation and suppression, coupled with the provision of vehicles and equipment to create the most efficient and effective fire service. Designed specifically for the Rural Fire Service (RFS), the FireEye unmanned air vehicle (UAV) is set to become an important tool for fire mitigation and management, low altitude video surveillance, habitat assessment, fire investigation, mapping and communications. The UAV can be flown autonomously or be piloted remotely, its unique design incorporates a modular payload unit that allows interchangeable electronics to be installed depending upon the requirements of the flight. The large swept wing design provides extended endurance with the autopilot sensing thermal lift to maximize the life of the lithium polymer battery powered electric motor. The plane can be deployed by 2 people very quickly near a fire and can be launched from the ground or from the back of a Category 9 fire truck. Its quick deployment increases the chances of the RFS managing bushfires in their early stages. The RFS will benefit from a reduction in costs involved with aerial surveillance, improved mapping and fire monitoring, better aerial surveillance to determine the speed and movement of firefronts, improved information on the intensity and size of a bushfire, with improved operator safety and with improved communications especially in remote areas. Volunteer firefighters will be better informed by having an eye in the sky to help coordinate fire suppression, having an accurate assessment of where a fire is heading and how fast it is moving and determining where hot spots are lingering within a fire. The light weight swept wing is constructed from shell of carbon fibre around a high density foam core, providing an excellent platform for the FireEye’s internal imaging and sensory electronics. The launcher uses compressed air to propel the FireEye at around 2g, providing a safe takeoff apparatus that can be used close to a fire. The philosophy in the design of both the aircraft and the launcher has been to allow the RFS to incorporate commercially available components that can be locally fitted and repaired. Research, innovation and functionality have been combined in this project to develop a system for protecting biodiversity on rural land, increasing safety for firefighters, provide low maintenance and running costs and easy of handling and operation. Coupled with an innovative and sexy design, I hope you appreciate the future of aerial firefighting as I see it. |
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