Southern Company, the second-largest U.S. energy provider, becomes the first U.S. utility to use the SDO 50 heavy-lift unmanned helicopter by SwissDrones for long-range inspections.
The drones can fly for over three hours, carrying advanced sensors for surveillance over rugged terrain, aiding in pipeline and power line inspections.
The partnership between Southern Company and SwissDrones signifies a milestone in utilizing large unmanned aircraft for industrial applications.
The SDO 50 offers extended flight times, autonomous route repeats, and a modular sensor suite for efficient data collection in remote areas.
The deployment aligns strategically with impending BVLOS drone flight regulations in the U.S., empowering industrial UAV applications.
Benefits include faster storm damage assessments, emission reduction by up to 95%, and improved worker safety by minimizing personnel exposure to risk.
Utilizing heavy-lift drones over long distances enhances data gathering, service reliability, and operational efficiency for Southern Company.
The move reflects a broader trend in the industry towards infrastructure drones for cost-effective inspection and emergency response.
The drone market is evolving with a focus on compliance, safety, and efficiency, amidst increasing demand for autonomous UAVs in utility operations.
The SwissDrones x Southern Company collaboration serves as a strategic model for future aerial inspection solutions in response to market and regulatory developments.