Fire in the Sky

17 July 2024

The name of the Throwflame TF-19 WASP Flamethrower Drone Attachment pretty much says it all. It's an airborne flamethrower that can be deployed to eradicate wasp nests and other pest hideouts, burn away debris caught on power lines, safely provide back burns and pre burns for forest fire containment, and more.

The $1,599 device can be fitted to most cinema and industrial drone platforms with a payload capacity of at least five pounds. The TF-19 Wasp can ignite targets up to 25 feet away, and its one-gallon fuel tank provides 100 seconds of firing time before a refill is needed.

Of course, flying flamethrowers can be a significant concern to some, and as you can buy the TF-19 WASP direct from the Throwflame website, the company alerts potential buyers that "purchase does not give you the right to operate a drone with the TF-19 WASP attachment."

Throwflame continues the caveats by asking purchasers to check a box stating, "I take full responsibility for obtaining the necessary licenses and waivers to operate a drone or UAS with the TF-19 WASP attachment. I understand that operating a drone or UAS in the US with this attachment would require a Part 107 Waiver."