SwissDrones launches in Asia Pacific region

From fighting wildfires to inspecting power lines and conducting emergency response missions, Australia and the Asia Pacific Region have long depended on the use of manned rotorcraft. However, because many of these missions require rotorcraft to operate over long distances, at night, during all weather conditions, in remote areas, and with limited to no infrastructure, these operations are inherently dangerous. But now there is the SDO 50 V2 – a safer, cheaper and cleaner way of conducting critical missions.

Developed by SwissDrones, a global manufacturer of long-range unmanned helicopter systems, the SDO 50 V2 is a multipurpose, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), unmanned helicopter system that can be operated beyond visual line of sight. Its unique design features provide superior payload capacity (45kg/99lb, including fuel), long-endurance (3+ hours), stable flight patterns, the ability to carry single or multiple high-quality sensors, and a high degree of safety features. An integrated autopilot system enables autonomous take-off and landing procedures as well as autonomous flight patterns.

‘Our unmanned aerial solutions were made for long-range missions in adverse weather conditions, day and night, at high altitude, and a large spectrum of temperatures – all without any risk to the crew,’ said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones.

The SDO 50 V2 uses the Flettner system of intermeshing twin rotors turning in opposite directions. Each rotor mast is mounted at a slight angle to the other to allow the blades to intermesh without colliding. The unique design provides a superior payload capacity, prolonged endurance and stable flight patterns. This arrangement also allows the helicopter to function without a tail rotor, which saves additional power and allows a significantly higher payload-to-weight ratio.

Well suited for the APAC Region

Entering the Australian and Asia Pacific markets, the SDO 50 V2 is available through Éire Aviation. At the forefront of aviation technology excellence in the Asia Pacific region, Éire Aviation has a long history in the manned aviation sector. The company specializes in opening new markets to new technologies, not only through sales but with a full range of services, including auditing, strategic advisory and operations

‘Not only are the SDO 50 V2’s features and capabilities ideally suited for the unique demands of Australia and the Asia Pacific region but it also offers the same sensor payload performance as a manned helicopter without the inherent limitations,’ said Ronnie Fahy, CEO of Éire Aviation. ‘The aircraft is the perfect payload, safety, technological and performance unit for the geography and use cases required in the APAC region.’

Key benefits

Unlike manned missions, the SDO 50 V2 can operate over long distances without the need for infrastructure and with only minimal ground support. In fact, the aircraft can be easily transported to the work location via van, from which two crew members can deploy it in less than 15 minutes and with little to no infrastructure required.

Furthermore, since the SDO-50 V2 can operate on a number of different fuel types, fuel planning is not as restrictive a requirement as with traditional rotorcraft types. This can eliminate fuel diversion requirements. It also results in 90%+ less CO₂ emissions than its manned counterparts – all while offering comparable endurance and sensor payload capacities but at just a fraction of the cost.

Another key differentiator is that the SDO 50 V2 can safely operate at night, in adverse weather conditions, and in other scenarios deemed too dangerous for manned operations.

‘When working with SwissDrones you have a safer and cleaner alternative to traditional manned rotorcraft missions,’ said Luca Santini, Head of Sales of SwissDrones. ‘We see this as being a real game-changer for firefighting, emergency services, oil and gas, maritime patrol, and infrastructure inspection missions happening in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.’

Each SDO 50 V2 comes backed by SwissDrones’ industry-leading training, service and

support programme. To learn more about the SwissDrones SDO 50 V2, contact Éire

Aviation at +61 480 122 948 or info@eireaviation.com