SwissDrones is a leading developer and manufacturer of VTOL UAV helicopters that provide superior endurance for long-range inspections, surveillance, and search & rescue missions.
SDO 50 Helicopter UAV
The SDO 50 is a state-of-the-art unmanned helicopter with a flight endurance of over 3 hours and the ability to operate day or night in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow and wind speeds of up to 21 knots.
Based around a proprietary Flettner intermeshing double rotor design, the SDO 50 offers enhanced payload capacity and flight stability.
The VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) system is highly cost-effective compared to manned aerial solutions, and requires less training to operate confidently. The rapidly deployable aircraft is transportable by van and can be prepared for flight by a team of two in just 15 minutes.
The SDO 50 UAV is equipped with an advanced autopilot and high-performance GPS receiver and magnetometer, with optional redundant systems. The aircraft’s datalink consists of a primary S-band link and a secondary UHF-band link, with additional LTE/4G capabilities available upon request.
The standard data link range of 40 km of the SDO 50 can be further extended upon demand for longer-range missions.
The helicopter UAV is controlled via a rugged portable GCS (ground control station), which features a built-in keyboard, monitor, and 3-axis joysticks.
The SDO 50 has been successfully tested at 11,500 ft AMSL (density altitude) at -10 degree Celsius and windy conditions. During the tests the aircraft has demonstrated its feasibility for flight missions in challenging environments.
Versatile UAV for multiple (exchangeable) payloads
With its superior carrying capacity, the SDO 50 V2 can carry multiple sensors and payloads for versatile long-range mission capabilities and large flight autonomy. We offer a range of leading sensor solutions as standard.
- Gyro-stabilized quad-sensor EO/MWIR gimbal with illuminator and laser rangefinder
- Long-range LiDAR scanner payload for corridor and area mapping, with integrated IMU/GPS and 50MP camera
- Laser methane detector for gas leaks and gas field exploration
- Hyperspectral camera – line-scan camera for visible and NIR imagery
- Airborne imaging system specially designed for vessel detection in vast stretches of ocean
- Radioactive particle detector – ideal for routine monitoring as well as post-incident response
More information: SwissDrones SDO 50 Helicopter UAV
Applications
Inspection & Monitoring
The SDO 50 is ideal for a wide range of UAV inspection and monitoring applications, with reliable and efficient aerial data gathering capabilities that can address customer-specific needs for critical infrastructure, environmental monitoring, oil and gas, wildlife monitoring and more. Learn more >
Search & Rescue
The SDO 50 offers agile support of SAR missions using specific camera systems and sensors to locate missing people in inaccessible or hazardous areas (land or water), also in adverse weather conditions and at night. Once target persons are located, emergency gear such as survival kits, medical devices, food, rafts can be airlifted and dropped to support their recovery and rescue. Learn more >
Aerial Surveillance
The SDO 50 provides unparalleled flexibility and efficiency, allowing for individual payload configurations including stabilized IR/optical cameras and missions under difficult or dangerous circumstances (e.g. bad weather, darkness, flying over hostile or otherwise unsafe areas) when manned operations are not feasible. Learn more >
