From civil aviation to advanced dronautics
Exo Drone originally was a professional training center for drone pilots. Its history in civil aviation pilot training has allowed them to become an important player in Quebec dronautics. In recent years, the organization has expanded its mission to add to its piloting programs.
Exo Drone now also specializes in simple to complex commercial operations. It offers consultation and personalized support to major companies wishing to equip themselves with specialized dronautics solutions. In collaboration with partners, it also offers advanced and innovative solutions, such as long-range ADAV drones (light remotely piloted aircrafts) and remotely piloted automated autonomous solutions.
© Exo DroneDronautics to the rescue
Exo Drone has worked in partnership with SOPFEU for 5 years, collaborating with Thermodynamique in remote thermal detection of buried fires during forest fire closures using multirotor drones equipped with thermal and radiometric sensors.
In 2022, SOPFEU mandated Exo Drone to provide them with long-range drones capable of accomplishing new missions throughout the forest fire cycle.
By being able to observe thermal signatures under the plant cover, these new drones now make it possible to carry out specialized optical and thermal monitoring over very long distances in order to detect the start of potential fires, analyze them and confirm their exact origin.
These devices also help fight active fires. They provide air and ground teams with live images of current operations. They play an important role in terms of prevention, organization, surveillance, active control and securing of affected areas.
It is through an international partnership with Agentech Solutions (AgTS), an American company based in Newmarket, NH, with subsidiaries in Concord, NH, Vancouver, WA, and Africa, that the project was able to mature more quickly.
This association now allows the two companies to offer global solutions in several Canadian, American and international markets.
© Exo DroneNew capabilities and greater efficiency at lower cost
Long-range drones can play an important role in preventing and actively fighting wildfires. Not only can they replace large aircraft, like surveillance planes and helicopters by carrying more precise sensors, but they free them up so they can be used in more critical operational roles. Their capabilities were tested in real situations with SOPFEU during the 2023 season:
- Remote monitoring to identify and confirm the start of fires 24 hours a day.
- Retransmission of images and videos to teams in real time.
- Mapping of locations and access identification.
- Identification of suitable locations for operations (landing, equipment delivery, water supply).
- Monitoring and protection of teams, real estate and equipment.
- Evaluation and quantification of flammable elements ahead of the fires.
- Nighttime evaluation of fire progression.
- Qualitative updates of critical fire sources.
Long-range dronautics offer endless possibilities. It is now possible to carry out long-range operations with over 10 hours of flight autonomy. These remotely controlled devices can play many essential roles.
© Exo Drone
