Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and intense around the world, posing a significant threat to both the environment and human lives. To combat this challenge, Windracers Environmental is a collaboration of experts from Windracers, University of Bristol (swarm technology), University of Sheffield (AI-enabled imaging) and Lancashire Fire & Rescue (wildfire firefighting expertise). The team grew out of a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project of the Future Flight Challenge.

Windracers Environmental has designed the operation of a coordinated group – or swarm – of ULTRAs capable of continuous operation over large areas. The ULTRA swarm autonomously deploys over an area to search, detect fires using onboard AI-based image processing and then coordinate to deliver their extinguishing payload directly onto a fire. Team Windracers Environmental has been selected as a Qualified Team in XPRIZE Wildfire Track B: Autonomous Wildfire Response. Team Windracers is one of 29 teams selected to advance and compete in the Track B Technical Verification Round.  Learn more in the recent BBC report.

In January 2024, scientists and engineers from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Windracers tested Windracers ULTRA in the Antarctica. Over 25 flight missions, ULTRA flew 3,ooo kms collecting scientific data that could enable researchers to widen the range of scientific research they do to understand how Antarctica is being affected by environmental change.

Windracers ULTRA helped BAS researchers gathered a new and broader range of science data in an effective, lower-carbon, lower-cost manner than traditional crewed aviation. The expedition monitored and measured the impact of climate change on our environment, including ice thickness measurement, marine and mammal life. The lower cost and greater safety (reducing risk to human pilots) of self-flying aircraft made it possible to collect new and higher-fidelity science data.