First-in-kind, historic BVLOS approval permits multi-sensor, long-endurance flight operations for SDO 50 V2 uncrewed helicopters.
Zurich, Switzerland – October 24, 2023 – SwissDrones, a worldwide producer and operator of long-range uncrewed helicopter techniques for inspection, surveillance, and public security purposes, has introduced that its SDO 50 V2 multi-mission, single-turbine uncrewed helicopter system has been granted an unprecedented FAA authorization. This authorization permits aerial service supplier Phoenix Air Unmanned (PAU), associate of SwissDrones, to function the SDO 50 V2 past visible line of sight (BVLOS) throughout your entire United States. This landmark achievement marks the first-of-its-kind authorization throughout the nation, empowering PAU to broaden its capabilities in inspection, patrol, and survey missions over intensive distances. Moreover, this authorization establishes a transparent regulatory pathway, setting a precedent for different organizations using the SDO 50 V2 to pursue BVLOS approvals for his or her business operations.
SwissDrones and PAU collaborated over three years to construct a strong idea of protected BVLOS operations (CONOPS) and carried out quite a few flight trials in the US with the SDO 50 V2. All regulatory and security necessities had been met in cooperation with the FAA to allow extended-range inspection and patrol flights over linear infrastructure beneath the identical laws as traditional-crewed plane.
“We take nice pleasure in our partnership with Phoenix Air Unmanned, which has resulted in securing this first-in-kind BVLOS authorization in the US,” stated Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “This FAA authorization not solely validates the power of our CONOPS technique but in addition paves the way in which for different business operators to leverage the capabilities of our SDO 50 V2 unmanned techniques, setting a precedent for expanded operations within the business.”
Phoenix Air Unmanned (PAU) intends to make use of this plane for varied data-gathering duties, together with high-resolution imaging, LiDAR knowledge assortment, thermal imaging, and corona detection. Relying on the precise sensor bundle and working space, inspection flights might span distances exceeding 60 miles. This enhanced functionality to gather various datasets over lengthy distances permits PAU to conduct a number of inspections effectively inside a single flight.
“This unprecedented authorization empowers us to conduct BVLOS operations for utilities nationwide,” acknowledged Will Lovett, Managing Director of Phoenix Air Unmanned. “The SwissDrones SDO 50 V2 represents a game-changing development for our operations and shoppers within the Utility and Power area, offering superior sensor packages and an endurance capability far surpassing what was beforehand obtainable within the business market. It presents a safer, extra environment friendly, and cost-effective various to conventional infrastructure inspection strategies.”
The SDO 50 V2, with its most weight of 191 kilos, can carry sensors weighing between 30 and 70 kilos and preserve flights lasting over three hours. This prolonged endurance makes it splendid for missions requiring a number of sensors. It marks a major efficiency enhance, providing practically ten instances the endurance and 3 times the carry capability in comparison with plane weighing beneath 55 kilos that function beneath Half 107 waivers, permitting BVLOS inspections.
SwissDrones collaborates with civil aviation authorities worldwide to broaden its operational capabilities and safe regulatory approvals and flight authorizations. These efforts purpose to facilitate enhanced mission-specific operations to serve our valued prospects higher. Along with securing the groundbreaking FAA BVOS authorization, the SDO 50 V2 has acquired a Particular Airworthiness Certificates (SAC-EC) from the FAA. Moreover, SwissDrones is among the many first organizations to acquire a European drone operator license, the European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA) Mild UAS Operator Certificates (LUC). This certificates grants SwissDrones the authority to self-authorize flight operations for its plane throughout EASA international locations, encompassing BVLOS operations throughout the specified certificates limits. Extra regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities worldwide might be introduced within the coming months.
About SwissDrones SwissDrones manufactures and operates long-range uncrewed helicopter techniques for missions past visible line of sight (BVLOS). Its distinctive twin-rotor plane are designed to interchange crewed helicopters at considerably diminished prices and decrease carbon emissions. They will function in difficult circumstances, day and night time, with out exposing crews to danger.
SwissDrones was based in 2013 and relies in Switzerland, with its headquarters in Zurich and its manufacturing web site in Buchs. The corporate has been named a High 50 International UAV Enterprise by the World UAV Federation and a High 40 Civil Drone Platform Producer by Drone Trade Insights. SwissDrones operates throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. For extra data, please go to www.swissdrones.com.