Barcelona-based start-up Singular Aircraft has developed the Flyox I, an amphibious uncrewed water-bombing aircraft designed to drop 1,560 litres of water during firefighting operations.
The remote-controlled aircraft measures nearly 12 metres long with a 17-metre wingspan, and can carry either water or fire retardant to bolster existing aerial firefighting fleets during megafires.
Equipped with underwing floats, a water tank, a drop hatch, and a scooping system, the aircraft is operated from a ground station by a remote pilot and a dedicated operator.
Autonomous surveillance and nighttime drops
The Flyox I features sensors, cameras, and data acquisition systems that enable it to fly autonomously for up to 24 hours. Operating at an altitude of 5,500 metres, it can continuously monitor high-risk areas, evaluate fire hazards, and spot new outbreaks.
During water-bombing missions, the drone delivers precise drops of water or chemical retardant from a height of 30 metres for up to three consecutive hours. The amphibious aircraft can also refill its tank on bodies of water by scooping over a distance of 400 metres.
A key feature of the Flyox I is its ability to operate at night, overcoming a major limitation of traditional firefighting planes such as the CL-415, Dash 8 Q400MR, and Air Tractor models. The twin-engine drone reaches speeds of 150 km/h and incorporates a real-time obstacle detection and avoidance system.
International flight testing and certification
Singular Aircraft has been developing the platform since 2011 and completed the aircraft's first test flight on May 15, 2015, in Höfn, Iceland. The prototype has since undertaken flight trials in Spain, Norway, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Dominican Republic under the supervision of national civil and military aviation authorities.
Traditional aerial firefighting relies heavily on amphibious water bombers like the Canadair CL-415, manufactured in Canada, alongside land-based turboprops. However, severe wildfire seasons have created global shortages of water bombers, while nighttime operations remain restricted for human pilots due to collision risks and low visibility.
The Flyox I is currently undergoing formal certification and has not yet registered any firm orders, although Canada could become the first nation to purchase the uncrewed aircraft. Singular Aircraft has not disclosed a target date for the drone's commercial entry into service.
