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Rain Industries, a leader in rapid initial wildfire suppression, has announced their next-generation autonomous firefighting demonstrator aircraft: the Rain MK2. The MK2 is an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) based on a proven helicopter airframe. In conjunction with Rain’s fire agency launch customers, the MK2 will be used to demonstrate rapid initial wildfire response and containment.

“We have worked very closely with our fire agency partners to develop this system, and we continue to incorporate their feedback.” explains CEO Maxwell Brodie. “The MK2 is a demonstrator aircraft, which means that it will be deployed with our fire agency development partners in a limited capacity to inform requirements for a full-scale deployment.”
The MK2 is currently Rain’s largest autonomous system, and carries approximately 30 gallons of payload. It is designed to fly for over an hour with a 23-mile response radius. Equipped with Rain’s automation technology, the MK2 is capable of all phases of flight of a traditional helicopter: takeoff, hover, cruise, and landing with the exception that there is a remote operator providing oversight, rather than a pilot on-board.