Rain is the startup that is changing the rules of the game in fighting forest fires. Using autonomous aircraft adapted from military and civilian vehicles this technology can intervene quickly, safely and effectively to contain fires before they become catastrophic.
Rain, a story of passion and urgency
Max e Ephraim, the founders of Rain, are no strangers to the drama of bushfires. They experienced firsthand the destruction caused by the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park fire in Canada, which led to the largest mass evacuations since World War II. An experience that ignited in them the urgency to find a solution. From there (and from these preparatory studies) she's born Rain , the first and only autonomous technology developed to tackle forest fires within the first 10 minutes of ignition.
The startup has adapted existing military and civilian aircraft, equipping them with AI and advanced sensors. But how exactly does this technological marvel work? Il Rain Wildfire Mission Autonomy System integrates software with aircraft autonomy systems and includes components for mission management, fire sensing, path planning, suppression strategy and extinguishant targeting.
Autonomous aircraft with eyes and ears against fires
Not only software, but also hardware. Rain has equipped its autonomous planes with infrared and visual spectrum cameras, inertial navigation, GPS and other sensors. This allows for a rapid and precise response, especially in remote areas where the risk of fire is high. And that's not all. The equipment also includes automatic distribution devices for extinguishing substances, making the action even more effective.
Rain announced a collaboration with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, to demonstrate how an unmanned BLACK HAWK helicopter can react quickly to nip wildfires in their tracks. The power of a military helicopter serving a positive purpose.
