Osaka: Japanese researchers have created a flying firefighting hose that can fly in different directions using its own water pressure to put out fires.
The Flying Dragon system, developed by scientists from Japan’s Osaka University and Akita Perfect University, has two four-bladed propulsion units mounted on two ends.
Both of these systems work like an aquatic quadcopter, with valves and swivels in each nozzle (a device that allows the nozzle to rotate in any direction) to control the direction of water flow and thrust, making it similar to a normal drone. Enables standing, balancing and orientation.
The water flow at a rate of 6.6 liters per second gives a pressure of up to 1 megapascal, which is enough to lift the hose two meters off the ground.
The prototype created by the scientists is 4 meters long and is attached to a small control station trolley where an operator stands and operates the drone.
Operators monitor the situation using regular and thermal vision cameras mounted on the dragon’s head and ensure that water is sprayed where it is most needed.
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