U.S. energy provider adopts unmanned helicopters to enhance inspection, safety, and emergency response
SwissDrones Expands U.S. Presence with Major Energy Sector Contract
SwissDrones, a Swiss-based company specializing in unmanned aerial systems, has announced a new agreement with Southern Company, one of the largest energy providers in the United States. Under this contract, Southern Company will deploy SwissDrones’ SDO 50, a long-range unmanned helicopter, to improve aerial inspections and critical infrastructure monitoring.
This partnership marks the first time a U.S. energy company will use the SDO 50 platform, and it also represents Southern Company’s first deployment of a large uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
A New Tool for Critical Infrastructure
The SDO 50 is designed for missions that go beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and can carry heavy payloads. Its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities make it well-suited for inspecting remote or hard-to-reach areas.
“Energy companies are dealing with a host of difficult circumstances when it comes to maintaining their critical infrastructure,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “From an increase in extreme weather events to cumbersome inspection practices, companies need new, innovative solutions. Teaming up with Southern Company will enable more efficient aerial surveillance and inspection to navigate those challenges.”
SwissDrones reports that the SDO 50 reduces carbon emissions by up to 95% compared to manned helicopters, offering a more sustainable inspection method.
Enhancing Efficiency and Response Time
Southern Company will use the SDO 50 fleet across its electric and gas operations. The drones will assist with storm damage assessments, routine infrastructure monitoring, and modernizing inspection practices across the Southeast and beyond.
“Partnering with SwissDrones empowers us to bring innovation to aerial inspection and infrastructure maintenance,” said Dean Barefield, UAS program manager at Southern Company. “As our first deployment of a large unmanned aerial system (UAS), the SDO 50 will expand our operational reach, allowing us to cover greater distances across our power lines in the Southeast and across our natural gas infrastructure throughout our broader service territory. This technology enhances our ability to gather high-quality data for both electric and gas operations, ultimately helping us better serve all of our customers.”
Customizable Technology with Advanced Sensors
The SDO 50 is built to handle a range of industrial missions. It can carry different types of sensors, including high-resolution cameras and laser methane detectors that locate gas leaks and generate automated reports. These tools help energy companies respond more quickly to maintenance needs and environmental concerns. The platform can also process images using artificial intelligence, allowing for deeper analysis after each flight.
Each SDO 50 system is customized based on mission needs, so pricing varies depending on payload configurations and service options. Customers can purchase the aircraft alone or opt for full support, including flight crews, monitoring, and data services.
A Step Forward for Uncrewed Aerial Systems in Energy
The Southern Company deployment signals a growing trend in the energy sector. Companies are turning to drone technology to improve safety, lower emissions, and reduce costs. This contract also marks a significant milestone for SwissDrones, as it continues its expansion into North America.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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