Jaki dron dla Straży Pożarnej / OSP?

Interest in drones in firefighting units grows every year. This is equipment that greatly improves rescue operations and facilitates operations in difficult conditions. In this article, we have prepared a list of models that work best for firefighters - both in routine tasks and in emergency situations.

What features should a drone have for firefighters?

For many years we have been cooperating with PSP and TSO units all over Poland. Based on tests, presentations and field experience, we can identify the most important features that determine the usefulness of a drone in the work of firefighters:

• Reliability - equipment must be ready to work at any time, without the risk of failure at a critical moment.
• Long flight time - The longer the airtime, the better the ability to monitor the situation and plan actions.
• Thermal imaging camera - basis in firefighting, monitoring and search operations. Allows detection of fire outbreaks or locating people in difficult terrain.
• Resistance to harsh weather conditions - Rain, wind, high temperature or smoke must not be an obstacle to work.

Best models for firefighters and TSOs

There are many drones on the market, but only a few meet all the requirements listed above. They are the ones most often chosen by firefighting units:

DJI Matrice 4TD - a state-of-the-art drone that can be used both stationary (with the DJI Dock 3 station) and fully mobile with a controller. Equipment for units that want to be able to take off quickly and be ready for action. Built-in thermal imaging camera can detect people in difficult terrain, even at night or in fog. With automation and ease of use, Matrice 4TD minimizes the risk of operator errors in stressful situations. Reliability is also an asset - equipment designed for non-stop operation, even under demanding conditions.

Key technical parameters:

• Weight - 1850 g
• Flight time - up to 54 minutes
• Protection class - IP55 - partial resistance to dust, will withstand, for example, water spray or rain, but not immersion
• Wide angle camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective pixels: 48 MP
  
• Medium telephoto lens camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, effective pixel count: 48 MP
  
• Camera with telephoto lens: 1/1.5-inch CMOS sensor, effective pixel count: 48 MP
• Thermal camera: 640 × 512 p
• Zoom: 16x lossless, max. 112x hybrid zoom
• Additional useful features: NIR auxiliary light, laser rangefinder

DJI Matrice 30T - A drone that combines mobility and versatility. Easy to transport and quick to deploy (despite its size), it allows firefighters to act almost immediately. Its thermal imaging and optical camera allow precise reconnaissance of the area. High resistance to wind, rain and harsh weather conditions makes the Matrice 30T an equipment that is ready to work regardless of the situation. The hot-swappable battery function allows you to swap batteries without turning off the drone, which shortens the intervals between flights and gives you an advantage in long-lasting actions. Matrice 30T is like a good old Passat, it will get you everywhere and never let you down.

Key technical parameters:

• Weight: 3770 g
• Flight time: 41 minutes
• Protection class: IP55 - partial resistance to dust, will withstand, for example, water spray or rain, but not immersion
• Wide angle camera: 1/2" CMOS, effective pixel count: 12 MP
• Zoom camera: 1/2" CMOS, effective pixel count: 48 MP
• Thermal imaging camera: Uncooled VOx microbolometer, 640 × 512 p
• Zoom: 16x lossless, max. hybrid zoom 200x
• Additional features: Laser rangefinder, battery hot-swap

DJI Matrice 350 RTK + H20T camera - professional equipment that allows you to replace cameras, created for the most difficult tasks. Thanks to its modular design and wide range of compatible sensors (including thermal and zoom cameras), firefighting units can tailor it to specific needs. It's a piece of equipment that performs well in long-lasting actions, offering flight stability even in demanding weather conditions. Hot-swappable battery system and quick-change accessories mean maximum readiness. In search operations, it allows covering large areas of terrain, providing a clear picture of the situation in real time. The Matrice 350 RTK is the choice for individuals who need a drone with tremendous potential for growth and expansion.

You can find available cameras and accessories for this drone here.

The most important technical parameters (for the H20T camera):

• Weight: About 3770 g (without batteries), about 6470 g (with two TB65 batteries)
• Flight time: 55 minutes
• Protection class: IP54 - partial resistance to dust and splashes, but not water spray
• Wide angle camera: 1/2.3" CMOS, effective pixel count: 12 MP
• Zoom camera: 1/1.7" CMOS, effective pixel count: 20 MP
• Thermal camera: Uncooled VOx microbolometer, 640 x 512 resolution p
• Zoom: 23x lossless, max. hybrid zoom 200x
• Additional features: Hot-Swap of batteries

DJI Matrice 400 + h20T camera - the latest and most advanced model in the family DJI, which sets the standard in drones for professional use. Designed for continuous operation and the harshest conditions, it provides maximum reliability and safety. A huge advantage is its ability to integrate many advanced cameras and sensors, making it a complete platform for the most demanding rescue operations. Matrice 400 allows firefighters to conduct surveillance with unprecedented precision - both during the day and at night. Its safety systems minimize the risk of failure at key moments. This is equipment that provides full control and advantage in actions of the highest degree of difficulty.

You can find available cameras and accessories for this drone here.

The most important technical parameters (for the H20T camera):

• Weight: Without battery: 5020±20 g, with battery: 9740+40 g
• Flight time: 59 minutes
• Protection class: IP55 - partial resistance to dust, will withstand, for example, water spray or rain, but not immersion
• Wide angle camera: 1/2.3" CMOS, effective pixel count: 12 MP
• Zoom camera: 1/1.7" CMOS, effective pixel count: 20 MP
• Thermal camera: Uncooled VOx microbolometer, 640 x 512 resolution p
• Zoom: 23x lossless, max. hybrid zoom 200x
• Additional features: Battery Hot-Swap

Additional drones worthy of recommendation:

DJI Matrice 4T - proposal for individuals who need a robust drone, but not necessarily the most advanced top-of-the-line model. Offers basic features needed by the guard - thermal imaging camera, stable flight and weather resistance. Its advantage is simplicity and reliability in typical search and rescue tasks. It's a good choice as the first drone for a unit that wants to incorporate such solutions into daily operations.

Key technical parameters:

• Weight: 1219 g
• Flight time: 49 min
• Leakage class: None
• Wide angle camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, effective pixels: 48 MP
• Zoom camera: 1/1.3-inch CMOS, effective pixels: 48 MP
• Zoom camera: 1/1.5-inch CMOS, effective pixel count: 48 MP
• Thermal camera: Uncooled VOx microbolometer, 640 x 512 resolution px
• Additional features: NIR auxiliary light, advanced AI detection

Summary

Drones are becoming an integral part of modern firefighting operations - supporting the saving of lives and property, increasing the safety of both firefighters and those in need of help.

If you already know which model will work best for your unit - the get in touch with us, we will prepare an individual offer. And if you still have doubts, we will be happy to advise and help you choose the best solution.