Xer Technologies has partnered with Daedalean too significantly improve the safety and dependability of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for its hybrid-electric drone, the Xer X8.
This collaboration incorporates Daedalean’s advanced vision-based traffic detection and avoidance system, Ailumina Vista, into the Xer X8 platform, representing a major leap forward in the realm of autonomous UAV navigation within shared airspace.
BVLOS operations are emerging as a key area for unmanned aerial systems, facilitating long-distance missions for tasks such as infrastructure monitoring, emergency response, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Though, ensuring the safe operation of drones in low-altitude airspace—particularly without direct visual contact—presents meaningful regulatory and technical hurdles. Awareness of airspace and collision avoidance are essential for realizing the full potential of these operations.
bas Gouverneur, CEO of daedalean, remarked, “The ability to detect and avoid aerial traffic will revolutionize drone operations beyond visual line of sight. networks of unmanned aerial vehicles will be able to expand significantly. We will be able to assist those in need, whether through piloted or unpiloted means, depending on what is quicker. We will have the adaptability to trust that all aircraft can maintain safe distances,avoid obstacles,and communicate seamlessly in real-time. This will facilitate efficient,reliable,and adaptive responses to emergencies,deliveries,or other critical tasks,even in complex or crowded airspace.”
Real-Time Safety Through Vision-Based Traffic Avoidance
Daedalean’s Ailumina Vista system employs AI-driven machine vision to ensure continuous situational awareness. With cameras integrated into the Xer X8 airframe, the system is capable of:
- Identifying and tracking nearby manned and unmanned aircraft
- Executing autonomous avoidance maneuvers in real-time
- Enhancing operational safety for BVLOS flights in intricate environments
A demonstration of this avoidance capability is planned for later this year, as the companies seek to validate performance under dynamic flight conditions.
While the integration of new technologies into UAVs can occur relatively swiftly, widespread acceptance hinges on regulatory confidence and certification. Daedalean’s extensive experience in manned aviation, where it has already sought certification for its traffic detection systems, positions the company well to adapt its certified-grade technology to meet the evolving demands of unmanned aviation.
The Xer X8 is a robust hybrid-electric UAV designed for extended endurance and exceptional performance in challenging environmental conditions. Its modular design accommodates a diverse range of high-quality sensor payloads, making it ideal for data-centric missions over remote or hazardous areas.
Key performance features include:
- Flight endurance: Up to 2.5 hours with a 3kg payload.
- Hybrid propulsion: Merges electric efficiency with combustion reliability.
- Environmental resilience: Functions effectively in strong winds and adverse weather conditions.
- payload versatility: Compatible with advanced sensors such as EO/IR, LiDAR, and gas detectors.
- AI-driven analytics: facilitates real-time data processing and actionable insights.
With autonomous traffic detection and a rugged, long-range platform, the Xer X8 is well-suited for a variety of critical BVLOS applications:
- Infrastructure monitoring: oversight of power lines, pipelines, and energy assets.
- Emergency response and disaster management: Quick deployment in crisis situations.
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Continuous aerial observation for defense and security purposes.
By merging proven avionics expertise with a purpose-built drone platform, the partnership between Xer Technologies and Daedalean is paving the way for the mainstream adoption of BVLOS drone operations.
