The Chinese company E-Hawk is developing a line of heavy-duty industrial UAVs capable of being used not only for cargo transport but also for search and rescue operations. One of the most interesting solutions is the EHM-3600, for which the manufacturer offers a specialized firefighting payload, including a water tank.
The drone doesn't just monitor the fire
The EHM-3600 belongs to the E-Hawk family of large industrial drones. Unlike standard camera drones, this platform is designed to handle heavy payloads and allows for equipment changes depending on the mission.
In its official configuration, E-Hawk specifies several payload options for the EHM-3600:
cargo transport module;
fire-fighting module;
water container;
other specialized systems.
Thus, the EHM-3600 can serve as a platform for specialized firefighting equipment, rather than merely as an aerial camera for fire monitoring.
The water reservoir is the main difference.
Of particular interest is the "灭火水桶"—a water container that E-Hawk lists among the compatible payloads for the EHM-3600.
This distinguishes it from the smaller EHM-2000, for which the manufacturer also lists a firefighting payload but, in the public specifications, highlights primarily the fire-extinguishing module/munition, the spotlight, and the cargo system.
E-Hawk also offers a firefighting module for the EHM-2600; however, the EHM-3600 is positioned as a larger platform with enhanced payload capabilities.
For what types of fires might this be useful?
E-Hawk is separately developing solutions for oil and gas and industrial infrastructure. The company outlines scenarios for using drones during fires at storage tanks, pipelines, and petrochemical facilities.
In such a situation, the drone allows for the initial acquisition of visual and thermal data from a safe distance, followed by the use of the appropriate payload. The proprietary solution incorporates a thermal imager, a 4K camera, and gas detection equipment.
The manufacturer outlines a scenario in which drones arrive at the scene, assess the fire, and then carry out aerial firefighting. For certain scenarios, the company envisions the use of two drones: one handles the firefighting, while the other monitors the situation.
What is known about the EHM-3600?
E-Hawk positions the EHM-3600 as an AI-powered industrial drone with a modular payload system.
The manufacturer emphasizes:
- a modular design;
- rapid deployment;
- a system for precise measurement of the distance to the surface;
- automatic suppression of suspended load sway;
- capability for rapid removal and installation of equipment;
- an intelligent power supply system;
- capability for remote diagnostics and firmware updates.
The company also states that the structure can withstand a static load of up to 1.3 tons, although this does not mean the drone is capable of lifting 1.3 tons in flight.
This is not a specialized firefighting drone.
There is an important nuance here.
The EHM-3600 cannot be described solely as a firefighting drone.
This is a multi-purpose industrial UAV. Firefighting is just one of its applications.
E-Hawk also shows for it:
- cargo operations;
- maritime cargo transportation;
- maintenance of high-rise buildings;
- emergency repair work.
Therefore, it is more accurate to call it a multi-purpose industrial drone with a firefighting configuration.
There are other firefighting platforms in the product line.
The EHM-3600 is not the only E-Hawk UAV that can be used for firefighting tasks.
The EHM-2000 is designed for a maximum payload of up to 40 kg and also supports a firefighting module.
The EHM-2600 has a significantly higher payload capacity—the manufacturer specifies up to 98 kg for the firefighting configuration—and also supports the fire-extinguishing projectile module.
The result is a sort of lineup:
EHM-2000 → EHM-2600 → EHM-3600
with increased payload capabilities.
Source: E-Hawk Technology Group
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