FLAIR · Project

Drone-Mounted Infrared Sensor Detects Gas Leaks and Air Pollution in Real Time

environmentTestedTRL 5

h2020flair.eu

Imagine strapping a super-sensitive nose onto a drone that can sniff out dozens of different gases at once, even in tiny concentrations — parts per billion. That's what FLAIR built: a compact infrared laser sensor that reads the unique "fingerprint" of gas molecules while flying over pipelines, chemical plants, or disaster zones. It works like a flying chemical lab that gives you results instantly instead of waiting for samples to come back from a laboratory. The system also includes a fine particle detector, so you get the full picture of what's in the air.

By the numbers

ppbv

Gas detection sensitivity (parts per billion by volume)

2-5 μm and 8-12 μm

Infrared spectral coverage windows

EUR 3,072,020

EU research investment

Working prototypes delivered (spectrometer, gas handling, electronics, integrated system)

TRL 5

Technology readiness level achieved on UAV

Consortium partners across 7 countries

The business problem

What needed solving

Companies operating gas pipelines, chemical plants, and large industrial sites need continuous air quality monitoring across areas too vast for fixed sensors and too expensive to cover with manned aircraft. Current methods are either too slow (lab-based sampling), too limited in coverage (ground stations), or too costly (helicopter surveys). Emergency responders also lack real-time airborne chemical identification when dealing with industrial accidents, wildfires, or hazardous leaks.

The solution

What was built

The project delivered 4 working prototypes: a 2D spectrometer with imaging optics, a gas handling system, an electronic control system designed for UAV mounting, and a fully integrated system tested on a drone. Together these form a compact airborne sensor that detects gas molecules at ppbv levels across the 2-5 μm and 8-12 μm infrared spectrum in real time. A fine particle detector was also integrated for complete air quality assessment.

Audience

Who needs this

Gas pipeline operators needing methane leak detection over long distancesChemical plant safety managers monitoring perimeter emissionsEnvironmental monitoring service providers covering non-urban areasEmergency response teams assessing hazardous chemical releasesOil and gas exploration companies surveying for hydrocarbon seeps

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Oil & Gas

enterprise

Target: Pipeline operators and natural gas distributors

If you are a pipeline operator dealing with methane leak detection across hundreds of kilometers — this project developed a drone-mounted infrared sensor tested at TRL 5 that detects gas concentrations at ppbv levels in real time. Instead of sending inspection crews on foot or using expensive manned aircraft, a single drone flight covers large stretches and pinpoints leaks immediately. The 9-partner consortium built prototypes including the gas handling system, 2D spectrometer, and UAV control hardware.

Environmental Monitoring

SME

Target: Air quality monitoring service providers and environmental consultancies

If you are an environmental consultancy struggling to monitor air quality outside urban areas where fixed stations don't reach — this project developed a flying sensor covering the 2-5 μm and 8-12 μm infrared windows that captures broadband absorption spectra in a single shot. It detects multiple pollutants simultaneously at ppbv levels, replacing the need for multiple ground sensors. The system was validated on-board a UAV in controlled test settings at TRL 5.

Chemical & Industrial Safety

any

Target: Chemical plant operators and emergency response organizations

If you are a chemical plant operator or emergency responder needing rapid air assessment during fires, leaks, or industrial accidents — this project developed a compact airborne sensor that identifies molecular fingerprints of hazardous gases in real time. The UAV-based system can be deployed within minutes to guide evacuation and containment decisions without risking human lives. Four working prototypes were delivered including the electronic control system designed for real UAV settings.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would a system like this cost compared to current air monitoring methods?

The project objective explicitly states the sensor is designed to be 'cost-effective' and 'far more cost-effective than missions on manned research aircraft.' With EUR 3,072,020 in EU funding across 9 partners, the technology was developed to bring airborne gas detection costs down significantly. Specific per-unit pricing is not available in the project data.

Can this scale to monitor large industrial areas or long pipeline networks?

Yes — the system was specifically designed for 'pervasive sensing on large scales outside urban environments,' with gas pipelines and chemical plant perimeters named as target use cases. The drone-mounted design means coverage scales with flight time and fleet size rather than requiring fixed infrastructure. The sensor captures broadband spectra in a single shot, enabling real-time results over wide areas.

What is the IP situation — can I license or buy this technology?

The consortium includes 4 SMEs and 1 industrial partner (56% industry ratio), and the project objective states that 'business cases for commercialization routes in a global market will be provided.' Based on available project data, IP is likely distributed among consortium partners. Contact the coordinator at Radboud University or the industrial SME partners for licensing discussions.

How accurate is the gas detection — what concentrations can it measure?

The sensor detects molecular fingerprints at ppbv (parts per billion by volume) levels in real time, which represents extremely high sensitivity. It covers two infrared atmospheric windows (2-5 μm and 8-12 μm), enabling identification of a wide range of gas species simultaneously through their unique absorption spectra.

What stage of development is this — is it ready to deploy?

The sensor prototype was tested at TRL 4 in the laboratory and at TRL 5 on-board a UAV in a controlled validation test setting. Four physical prototypes were delivered: the 2D spectrometer, gas handling system, electronic control system for UAV mounting, and the integrated system. Further engineering would be needed before full commercial deployment.

Does this comply with environmental monitoring regulations?

The system addresses air quality monitoring which falls under environmental regulations in most jurisdictions. Based on available project data, the sensor was designed for the specific infrared windows used in standard atmospheric monitoring. Regulatory certification for specific markets would need to be pursued during commercialization.

Can this detect specific gases relevant to my industry?

The supercontinuum laser covers the entire 2-5 μm and 8-12 μm spectrum, which includes absorption bands of most industrially relevant gases. The project specifically mentions applications for natural gas monitoring, chemical plant emissions, and even explosives-related molecule detection. The broadband approach means it identifies multiple gas species simultaneously rather than being limited to one target molecule.

Consortium

Who built it

The FLAIR consortium brings together 9 partners from 7 countries (CH, DK, ES, NL, PT, SE, UK), with a strong commercial orientation — 56% industry participation and 4 SMEs in the mix. This is not a purely academic exercise: the majority of partners are positioned to take results to market. Coordinated by Radboud University in the Netherlands (a strong optics and spectroscopy research hub), the consortium covers the full value chain from laser source development through detector engineering to drone integration and field testing. The presence of multiple SMEs suggests realistic pathways to commercialization, as these companies have direct market incentives to turn prototypes into products.

STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITEITCoordinator · NL
CSEM CENTRE SUISSE D'ELECTRONIQUE ET DE MICROTECHNIQUE SA - RECHERCHE ET DEVELOPPEMENTparticipant · CH
NKT PHOTONICS A/Sparticipant · DK
NEW INFRARED TECHNOLOGIES SLparticipant · ES
SENSEAIR ABparticipant · SE
TEKEVER II AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS LDAparticipant · PT
DANMARKS TEKNISKE UNIVERSITETparticipant · DK
FIANIUM LTDthirdparty · UK
EIDGENOSSISCHE MATERIALPRUFUNGS- UND FORSCHUNGSANSTALTparticipant · CH

How to reach the team

Coordinator is Radboud University (Netherlands). SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction to the research team and commercial partners.

Order a report on this consortium See STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITEIT profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how drone-based gas detection could fit your operations? SciTransfer can connect you with the FLAIR team and help evaluate commercial licensing options. Contact us for a tailored briefing.

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