What Rostec’s solutions — from fire engines and drones to communications systems — help attack fire

Photo: The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters

Hot weather is gradually coming to Russia and the number of wildfires is growing. Both traditional methods and new technologies, for example, robotic systems are used for fire fighting.

For years Rostec has been introducing innovative technologies for fire prevention, detection and suppression. From drones and thermal imaging cameras to modern communications systems and fire equipment — all this safeguards people and nature.

Air front line: manned and unmanned aircraft

The Be-200ChS, a Russian amphibious flying boat, has been involved in fire fighting since 2004 not only in Russia, but abroad — from France to Indonesia. This is a unique vehicle that can take in water directly from the surface of a water body and discharge up to 12 tons of liquid on a single pass and is still unrivaled throughout the world. The amphibious aircraft are developed and manufactured by TASTC n.a. G. M. Beriev of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation.

The Il-76P is another ‘waterbomber’ in EMERCOM air fleet. The aircraft can take up to 42 tons of water or fire extinguishing liquid and is the world’s largest fire fighter in this respect. The Il-76P was designed by PJSC Il as part of UAC.

Photo: The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters

While fire aircraft are more often involved in extinguishing large fires, day-to-day work is usually done by rotary-wing fire fighters from Russian Helicopters holding. The Ka-32 deserves particular attention as an indispensable aircraft in urban conditions — its coaxial propellers allow hovering above the seat of fire and discharge water with high accuracy even among high-rise buildings.

The Mi-8MTV-1, a modern version of the iconic ‘eight’, is able to carry up to 22 smokejumpers and has a external sling for 4 tons, helibuckets and smokejumper dropping/lifting gear. The Mi-26T, a heavyweight for large fires, drops up to 15 tons of water in under a minute and has already proved effective not only in Russia, but also abroad.

Ground-based fighters

Firefighting on the ground is carried out by KAMAZ fire engines, including those based on the reliable next-generation K5 off-road chassis. For example, the ATs-4,0-50/4 fire tanker and the ATsL-3,0-50-24 quint fire truck are equipped with digital control systems and can carry 3,000l of water with a pumping capacity of 50 l/s.

Photo: The Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters

Another Rostec’s technological breakthrough is the ANT-1000PM robotic system developed and produced by High-Precision Systems holding. It is remote-controlled and is able to extinguish fire in extreme conditions where life and health risks are particularly high. Due to a new water supply system and improved control, the ANT-1000PM is now twice as effective.

Smart electronic devices and special tools

Rostec companies also develop early detection and monitoring solutions for firefighters. For example, a system for remote sensing of Earth, that uses optics, software and other devices provided by Shvabe, is used to make real-time 3D images of the Earth’s underlying surface and promptly transmit the information concerning peat fire and other emergencies.

Photo: Rostec State Corporation

The Nabat flame detectors designed by Rosel detect fire in a matter of seconds at a distance up to 50 meters even in the most severe conditions — from chemical to arctic facilities. The new devices have demonstrated their performance and will be able to replace similar foreign products that are not available any longer.