SwissDrones provides unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) designed for long-range infrastructure surveillance, offering an alternative to traditional manned aircraft for power line inspection and monitoring.
With operational approval for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights in over 35 countries, SwissDrones supports industrial applications requiring consistent and accurate data collection across extended distances.
One example involves Southern Company, a U.S.-based energy provider responsible for maintaining a large network of power transmission and distribution lines. SwissDrones’ UAVs will be used to inspect these lines, replacing conventional methods and supporting efforts to ensure grid reliability and operational continuity through autonomous, pre-programmed flights.
Monitoring infrastructure has traditionally been performed by manned aircraft, a process that can be costly and involve safety risks. SwissDrones’ UAVs offer an alternative that is capable of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 95 percent, while also lowering operational costs and minimizing the need for personnel to operate in high-risk environments.
The aircraft are equipped with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and can carry heavy payloads, including sensors used for infrastructure condition monitoring. GPS coordinates can be programmed to guide the aircraft along transmission poles, and built-in autopilot systems are included to maintain flight control in the event of a communication link loss.
Ulrich Amberg, SwissDrones CEO, commented, “Our aircraft is a platform to capture data and intelligence, which is processed post-flight to generate the actual outcomes in terms of actionable insights.
“It’s a pretty bold vision. It’s what some call the Holy Grail in the drone industry. The missions are usually carried out autonomously after being programmed. The remote pilot supervises the flight and only intervenes in unexpected situations or when required to communicate with air traffic control.”
Missions are typically launched from mobile command centers positioned near the area of operation. Local teams perform pre- and post-flight inspections and manage fueling, while remote pilots monitor the flights and respond only to unexpected events or when coordination with air traffic control is required.
Organizations such as Southern Company are implementing UAV technology to improve grid monitoring capabilities while addressing safety, cost, and sustainability considerations. SwissDrones’ systems are currently positioned to support these needs through long-range, BVLOS-capable surveillance platforms.
