GPS World

Tag: BVLOS

  • AirData UAV joins the Commercial Drone Alliance ahead of Part 108 adoption

    AirData UAV joins the Commercial Drone Alliance ahead of Part 108 adoption

    The U.S. commercial drone industry is at an inflection point. After years of incremental progress, the FAA’s landmark Part 108 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) rule is expected to take effect later this year, unlocking a new era of scaled commercial drone operations across delivery, infrastructure inspection, public safety, perimeter protection and beyond. It’s a pivotal moment for drone operators to get ahead of the most significant regulatory shift the commercial drone industry has seen.

    Today, AirData UAV announced it is joining the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), bringing its operational platform into the industry’s broadest coalition for drone policy and progress. As a member of the CDA, AirData will actively contribute to the policies and standards that will define the next chapter of the U.S. drone economy through the CDA.

    Part 108 introduces sweeping new operational requirements across pre-, during and post-flight documentation, personnel roles, risk-categorized operational areas, and mandatory continuous data reporting, and AirData’s platform is already built to meet them.

    “We are at a critical moment for the drone economy,” said Lisa Ellman, Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Drone Alliance. “As the industry moves toward broader BVLOS operations and frameworks like Part 108, access to scalable, reliable operational data such as that which AirData provides will help to safely unlock the full potential of the drone economy.”

    Credit: AirData UAV

    AirData’s platform delivers the tools operators will need to meet Part 108’s requirements, including: checklists, automated compliance documentation, flight logging across every mission, and fleet-wide analytics that give program managers visibility into operational risk. With more than 61 million flights across 450,000 pilots and 850,000 drones globally, AirData has been building the compliance infrastructure the industry now needs.

    As the industry’s leading policy advocate, the CDA has been central to advancing the regulatory frameworks. The CDA is an independent non-profit organization led by key members of the commercialdrone industry. It works to educate policymakers and the public on the safe integration of drones into the national airspace and to advocate for policies that enable commercial drone operations.

    “We have long served as the intelligence backbone for drone
    operations,” Eran Steiner, CEO and founder of AirData UAV. “We look forward to leveraging our data, insights, and experience to enable scalable, compliant, and mission-critical drone programs, particularly as frameworks like Part 108 unlock the next phase of scaled BVLOS operations in the United States.”

    AirData’s platform gives public safety agencies, enterprise operators, and drone programs of every size the maintenance documentation, pilot currency tracking, asset management, checklist discipline, and operational data history that regulators will expect when Part 108 takes effect.

  • Trimble and Volatus improve precision and safety in BVLOS drone deliveries in Canada

    Trimble and Volatus improve precision and safety in BVLOS drone deliveries in Canada

    Volatus Aerospace has integrated the Trimble PX-1 RTX solution into its commercial delivery drone service to achieve accurate and robust positioning and heading.

    The Trimble module provides Volatus’ clients with a turnkey solution for highly-accurate aerial data acquisition and fully-remote drone operations in real-world missions, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

    The Trimble PX-1 RTX uses Trimble’s CenterPoint RTX corrections along with compact, high-performance GNSS-inertial hardware to deliver real-time, centimeter-level positioning and highly precise inertial-derived true heading measurements. This technology reduces operational risks associated with poor sensor performance or magnetic interference by providing enhanced positioning redundancy.

    Volatus must meet strict guidelines addressing airspace entry and exit, altitude and speed, and communication and remote identification when taking off from and landing at the Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, Canada. The flight corridor approved by Transport Canada and Nav Canada requires them to land and takeoff with precision, while staying at 50-feet altitude when crossing airplane arrival routes.

    Trimble PX-1 RTX’s precise positioning capabilities address crucial accuracy challenges for takeoff and landing, while supporting an exact flight altitude and positioning within the flight corridor. This capability enaables Volatus to remain compliant with the controlled airspace authorization from Nav Canada, a non-profit that operates the country’s civil air navigation system.

    The Trimble PX-1 RTX solution is available through Trimble sales channels.

  • Anello launches Aerial INS at CES 2026

    Anello launches Aerial INS at CES 2026

    Anello Photonics has launched the Anello Aerial inertial navigation system (INS), a compact, high-performance inertial navigation system built around the company’s Silicon Photonics Optical Gyroscope technology and integrated with multi-band GNSS receivers.

    Anello made the announcement at CES 2026, taking place this week in Las Vegas.

    The Anello Aerial INS is built for demanding aerial platforms — including BVLOS UAS, maritime/shipborne VTOL UAS, ISR/special-mission aircraft, heavy-lift and cargo drones, and other autonomous aerial vehicles. The system is powered by an advanced EKF-based sensor fusion engine and ANELLO flight-profile-tuned algorithms, consistently delivering >98% navigation accuracy without the need for cameras or fiber-optic cables.

    The Anello Aerial INS delivers <0.5 deg/hr unaided heading drift, maintaining accurate navigation and control through high-dynamics and GNSS jamming, spoofing, or occlusion. Anello’s navigation solutions are built to deliver assured performance in fully GNSS-denied environments — whether operating over water or desert corridors, in night or low-light missions, or through fog and cloud cover — maintaining precise guidance without GPS and enhancing warfighters’ effectiveness and survivability.

    “Customers flying real missions need resilient navigation when GPS isn’t reliable,” said Mario Paniccia, co-founder and CEO of Anello Photonics. “By combining our SiPhOGs with our airborne-optimized sensor-fusion algorithms and integrated multi-band GNSS, the Anello Aerial INS delivers accurate navigation solutions in a cost-effective SWaP-friendly package. This allows UAVs to hold course through GPS jamming, multipath, spoofing, or outages using only Anello without the need for cameras or fiber-optic cables and allows the warfighter to complete their mission safely and successfully.”

    ANELLO’s full product portfolio has been developed in close collaboration with customers and verified through comprehensive integration and mission-platform testing.

    The Anello Aerial INS is available for evaluation today with production shipments beginning in the second quarter of this year. Evaluation kits include the Anello Aerial INS, cabling, drivers for PX4/ArduPilot, and a quick-start integration guide.

  • Transport Canada approves Volatus Aerospace automated drone service

    Transport Canada approves Volatus Aerospace automated drone service

    Transport Canada has issued a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) to Volatus Aerospace Inc., authorizing the company to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations using MatrixSpace’s radar technology integrated with Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS Terminal platform.

    The certification allows Volatus to use MatrixSpace‘s compact, low-power radar system that can detect smaller aircraft including other drones. The technology is integrated with Kongsberg’s airspace awareness software and operated through Volatus’ remote Operations Control Center.

    The system enables automated drone-in-a-box networks, distributed monitoring operations and autonomous services that require continuous detect-and-avoid capabilities. Market research indicates the global drone-in-a-box sector was valued at approximately $1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $5 billion to $9 billion by the early 2030s, representing annual growth rates of 20% to 23%.

    Volatus previously held nationwide SFOCs for BVLOS operations in low-risk airspace, atypical airspace, high-altitude missions and nighttime operations. The new certification expands the company’s ability to provide automated drone services for infrastructure security, utilities monitoring, industrial inspection, forestry operations, wildfire monitoring and environmental oversight.

    The company has previously conducted approved BVLOS medical delivery operations at Halton Healthcare in Ontario. According to the comapny, the new certification builds on those capabilities by incorporating the detect-and-avoid system for broader commercial deployment.

  • Propeller Drones secures contract for BVLOS UAV inspections in Israel

    Propeller Drones secures contract for BVLOS UAV inspections in Israel

    Propeller Drones has secured a $7 million contract with the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to conduct fully autonomous UAV operations for electrical infrastructure inspection. This project marks an advancement in beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations in Israel, as it represents the first government approval for pre-approved BVLOS flights using an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system.

    Under the collaboration, Propeller Drones and FlightOps will partner to enhance AI flight capabilities that meet IEC requirements and regulatory standards. Airwayz, a company specializing in low-altitude UTM solutions, has been selected to provide the UTM system for managing drone operations.

    Airwayz’s UTM system, developed by experienced air traffic controllers, integrates real-time weather and location data to optimize airspace usage and manage multiple drone fleets simultaneously. This technology allows for efficient rerouting of unmanned vehicles in case of unexpected incidents.

    The collaboration seeks to address long-standing regulatory challenges in the UAV industry by demonstrating the ability to conduct large-scale autonomous operations safely and efficiently. According to Propeller, this project has the potential to open up new opportunities for drone applications across various industries, particularly for inspections in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.

    As the system accumulates flight hours and data, it is expected to contribute to the advancement of autonomous BVLOS UAV operations, potentially influencing future regulatory approvals and industry standards. Propeller shared that the success of this project could pave the way for broader adoption of autonomous drone technologies in Israel and potentially serve as a model for other countries.

  • NASA flies UAVs BVLOS for air taxi research

    NASA flies UAVs BVLOS for air taxi research

    Image: NASA / David Bowman
    Image: NASA / David Bowman

    NASA researchers at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, have successfully flown multiple UAVs beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) with no visual observer. The UAVs dodged one another and successfully maneuvered around obstacles before safely landing, the agency said. NASA conducted the tests to help researchers someday create autonomous, self-piloted helicopters that could carry passengers and cargo through busy aerospace.

    Researchers used multiple Alta 8 UAVs loaded with software designed to enable autonomous flights. Although monitors observed the flights from a remote-control room at Langley, the UAVs successfully operated BVLOS.

    NASA is also testing elements of autonomy using helicopters. They are designed to contribute towards the development of autonomous helicopters that can take off and land from “vertiports,” and transport passengers and cargo over both short and long distances.

    The experiments are part of the agency’s Advanced Air Mobility Mission (AAM), which is designed to enable safe autonomous flight and integrate newly developed vehicles into the national airspace. The mission will “set the stage for a flourishing industry” of electric air taxis and UAVs by 2030, NASA says on its AAM website.

    NASA will transfer the technology created during this project to the public to ensure industry manufacturers can access the software while designing their vehicles.

  • Percepto granted FAA approval for fully autonomous fleet inspections

    Percepto granted FAA approval for fully autonomous fleet inspections

    Image: Percepto
    Image: Percepto

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Percepto a nationwide waiver to operate a full fleet of its UAVs remotely by one operator.

    Prior to the approval, Percepto UAVs required one pilot per UAV. Now, users can operate up to 30 drone-in-a-box systems simultaneously with one pilot. The waiver aims to improve the capabilities of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAV operations across the U.S. By utilizing remote pre-flight checks and advanced automation, this waiver eliminates the need for human interference or expensive radars.

    According to the company, the approval is the final regulatory step to achieve large-scale remote UAV operations, following the recent approval for nationwide BVLOS operations.

    Percepto’s drone-in-a-box systems consist of a UAV that operates out of a docking station, often used in remote or hard-to-access locations. When set up with a power source and internet connection, the docking station charges and autonomously operates the UAV, allowing operations to run 24/7 and reducing reliance on human presence or interference.

  • SwissDrones granted FAA approval for BVLOS UAV operations

    SwissDrones granted FAA approval for BVLOS UAV operations

    Image: SwissDrones
    Image: SwissDrones

    SwissDrones, a global manufacturer and operator of long-range uncrewed helicopter systems for inspection, surveillance and public safety applications, has announced its SDO 50 V2 multi-mission, single-turbine uncrewed helicopter system has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization.

    This authorization allows aerial service provider Phoenix Air Unmanned (PAU), partner of SwissDrones, to operate the SDO 50 V2 beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) across the U.S. This achievement marks the first-of-its-kind authorization within the United States, allowing PAU to broaden its capabilities in inspection, patrol and survey missions over extensive distances.

    SwissDrones and PAU collaborated over the course of three years to build a concept of safe BVLOS operations (CONOPS) and conducted numerous flight trials in the U.S. using the SDO 50 V2. All regulatory and safety requirements were met in cooperation with the FAA to enable extended-range inspection and patrol flights over linear infrastructure under the same regulations as traditional-crewed aircraft.

    PAU intends to use this aircraft for a variety of data-gathering tasks, including high-resolution imaging, lidar data collection and thermal imaging.

    Depending on the specific sensor package and operating area, PUA inspection flights can span distances of more than 60 miles, allowing operators to conduct multiple inspections efficiently within a single flight.

    With a maximum weight of 191 pounds, the SDO 50 V2 can carry sensors weighing between 30 and 70 pounds and maintain flights lasting over three hours. These extended flights make it ideal for missions requiring multiple sensors, offering nearly ten times the endurance and three times the lift capacity compared to aircraft weighing under 55 pounds that operate under Part 107 waivers.

    The SDO 50 V2 has also received a Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC-EC) from the FAA. SwissDrones is among the first organizations to obtain a European drone operator license, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC). This certificate grants SwissDrones the authority to self-authorize flight operations for its aircraft across EASA countries, encompassing BVLOS operations within the specified certificate limits. Additional regulatory approvals from civil aviation authorities will be announced in the coming months.

  • Percepto receives FAA waiver to scale shielded BVLOS commercial UAS operations

    Percepto receives FAA waiver to scale shielded BVLOS commercial UAS operations

    Percepto has received a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows it to operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in shielded airspace — without humans onsite, and without ground-based or airborne detect and avoid (DAA) systems — for inspection and monitoring operations at critical and non-critical infrastructure sites nationwide.

    Under the waiver, low risk “shielded” BVLOS operations are authorized 200 ft above and around assets located on critical infrastructure sites. At non-critical infrastructure sites, shielded BVLOS operations are permitted 50 ft above and around the height of the tallest obstruction located within a half-mile radius of the site.

    The operations authorized under this approval build upon recommendations made by the UAS BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee chartered by the FAA. The ARC recognized that shielded airspace near structures and other obstacles where crewed aircraft do not typically operate could be leveraged as a safety mitigation to support safe, scalable, and economically viable UAS BVLOS operations.

    The use of Percepto’s UAS to perform critical infrastructure inspections aims to improve worker safety and efficiency of operations by enabling inspections remotely from anywhere in the United States.

    Percepto is at XPONENTIAL May 9-11, at booth 3409.

  • UAvionix launches spoofing detection for SkyLine UAS BVLOS operations

    UAvionix launches spoofing detection for SkyLine UAS BVLOS operations

     

    Image: uAvionix
    Image: uAvionix

    uAvionix has introduced truSky ADS-B spoofing detection for its SkyLine uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) services.

    The uAvionix truSky validation process uses a network of low-profile deployed dual-frequency ADS-B ground receivers to evaluate each signal transmitted from the aircraft. The system then compares the received signals to confirm that the signal originated from the aircraft’s position.

    When used within the uAvionix SkyLine platform, each aircraft track point is color-coded based on its confidence score. The validation score is then transmitted along with the position updates of the aircraft using SkyLine API.

    TruSky is being piloted in numerous locations in the United States and is available as a component of uAvionix’s SkyLine UAS BVLOS service or as an API for integration into uas GCS, UTM, or ATM platforms.

  • VOTIX and Iris Automation partner on safe BVLOS operations

    VOTIX and Iris Automation partner on safe BVLOS operations

    Image: VOTIX
    Image: VOTIX

    VOTIX has partnered with Iris Automation to enable safe beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights by integrating Iris Automation’s Casia G ground-based detect and alert system into the VOTIX cloud-based UAV operating system.

    This integration makes remote operations a reality for enterprises that need effective and flexible UAV BVLOS deployments, from routine automated inspections of critical infrastructure to rapid mobilization seen in UAV as first responder programs.

    This hardware-software solution will feed data from the Casia G system into the VOTIX platform to provide a complete picture of the operational airspace in real-time.

    The Casia G system can detect non-cooperative or intruder aircraft at a distance by monitoring the airspace and providing their precise location and classification data. This enabes automated conflict resolution via the VOTIX platform.

    “Our mission is to make BVLOS easy,” said Ed Boucas, VOTIX CEO. “We have integrated every aspect of drone operation in a single pane of glass so that pilots can easily perform safe and secure BVLOS flights.”

  • FAA approves BVLOS operations for Choctaw Nation

    FAA approves BVLOS operations for Choctaw Nation

    Image: uAvionix
    Image: uAvionix

    The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Beyond Program and uAvionix have received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. The approval signifies uAvionix and the CNO have demonstrated to the FAA that the aircraft procedures, detect-and-avoid systems and control network meet the safety requirement for operation in the national airspace.

    This is the second BVLOS waiver granted by the FAA for the combinations of uAvionix SkyLine software and SkyLink hardware, allowing UAV pilots operating at the CNO range to use only an electronic observer.

    The CNO will be using uAvionix SkyLine command-and-control (C2) management platform and pingStation3 dual-mode ADS-B receivers at the Emerging Aviation Technology Center UAS Test Range. The SkyLine C2 management platform is integrated with the DeTect Harrier radar for surveillance, and is used to control several CNO and uAvionix owned electric vehicle takeoff and landing aircraft through muLTElink and SkyLink series C2 radios.

    “Having this capability available at CNO enables our customers to conduct testing and demonstration in Oklahoma and will further serve as guidance for future applications leveraging this concept of operations,” said uAvionix President Christian Ramsey.