A drone that can detect wildfires before they even take hold has been successfully tested in Cornwall in what is thought to be the first project of its kind in the world.

The technology has been developed by Windracers - the British manufacturer of self-flying cargo aircraft ‘ULTRA’ – alongside AI and robotics scientists at the University of Bristol and the University of Sheffield.

Their invention is a firefighting drone that they believe can detect and suppress fires, before they spread into uncontrollable wildfires.

Using AI technology from University of Sheffield – which includes thermal and optical imaging – a group of the drones can automatically detect and investigate fires, and relay all the information to the fire team.

Swam technology developed by the University of Bristol means the drones and ULTRA aircraft can then self-coordinate themselves as ‘first responders’, to spray fire retardant onto the flames, as well as monitor the fire and return themselves to base.

The ULTRA are able to carry 100 kg of fire retardant each, flying autonomously in a search pattern to monitor danger areas over the summer months, while a swarm of drones can potentially cover areas the size of Greece.

The drone, with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service branding, mid-flight (Image: Lancashire Fire & Rescue / SWNS)

A week-long trial has taken place at Predannack Airfield on the Lizard Peninsula, where rigorous testing was carried out of both an ULTRA self-flying aircraft and three smaller drones, to test their autonomous flying detection and swarm capabilities.

Both identified and approached a number of small, controlled fires successfully – with fire and rescue services monitoring the whole process closely.

It has been described as a “key milestone” in the development of wildlife prevention technology, which once it receives regulatory approval could be used by firefighters around the country.

Stephen Wright, founder and executive chairman at Windracers, said: “This successful trial was the culmination of four years of research and development which brought together some of the country’s greatest minds in autonomous aviation, AI and robotics to help tackle one of society’s greatest challenges.

“We believe this highly cost-effective technology could be a game-changer.”

The drones can detect and tackle fires before returning to base (Image: Lancashire Fire & Rescue / SWNS)

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with the creators for the testing, have experienced major issues with wildfires – including in 2018, when crews spent 41 days battling a wildfire across 18 square kilometres of moorland near Bolton.

Chief Fire Officer Justin Johnston said: “The earlier we reach fires, the less harm they pose to firefighters, communities, infrastructure and the environment.”

Windracer’s ULTRA™ self-flying cargo aircraft has also been used to carry parcels to the Orkney Islands, as well as collect scientific data in Antarctica.

The project has been funded by The Future Flight challenge at UK Research and Innovation, delivered by Innovate UK.