Fire-mapping VTOL Drone

This project develops a fixed-wing VTOL drone capable of autonomously mapping a 0.25-square-mile area using thermal and optical imaging in a single flight. Preliminary research defined technical requirements across four areas: market validation, airframe design, sensors, and autopilot selection. Interviews with fire agencies identified key gaps in endurance, telemetry, and thermal imaging, guiding system priorities. Aerodynamic analysis supports a tapered fixed-wing design with moderate aspect ratio and winglets for improved efficiency and stability. Sensor evaluation selected a compact radiometric thermal payload with supporting RTK GNSS and lidar for precise mapping. Autopilot comparison favored ArduPilot for its reliability and fixed-wing performance. These choices establish a feasible, high-endurance platform for wildfire mapping.