Heliguy has received operational authorisation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations. The approval, announced on 18th December 2024, allows Heliguy to deploy drone-in-a-box technology within atypical air environments (AAEs), setting a new standard for automated drone missions in non-segregated airspace.
This milestone includes the use of DJI Dock systems, enabling fully automated drone operations controlled remotely from Heliguy’s Remote Operations Control Centre (ROCC) or their mobile Drone Command Unit. These missions will initially be conducted at Komatsu’s Smart Construction Facility in northern England, serving as a testbed for scaling up deployments across various UK sites.
What Are Atypical Air Environments?
According to the CAA, AAEs are airspaces where the presence of manned aircraft is low due to ground-level infrastructure. Examples include:
- Areas within 100 feet of buildings or structures
- Operations near linear infrastructure, such as roads or powerlines
- Flights limited to 50 feet in height on private property
This framework allows for safe and efficient BVLOS drone operations at low altitudes, crucial for use cases such as infrastructure inspections, surveying, and security.
Advanced Operational Capabilities
Heliguy’s drone-in-a-box technology, powered by DJI Dock, offers several advantages:
- Automated missions: Fully autonomous flights with remote monitoring
- Real-time control: Operations managed from the ROCC or mobile unit
- Enhanced coverage: Flexible deployment via LTE/Data and Starlink signals
Industry Implications
The CAA’s updated BVLOS policy aims to integrate drones into UK airspace, supporting routine operations for industrial and public applications. Heliguy’s BVLOS approval is a significant step toward mainstream adoption of drone-in-a-box technology. It highlights the potential of drones to improve operational efficiency and safety across industries such as construction, search and rescue, and site security.
Graham Hegarty, regulatory specialist at Heliguy, said:
“We are delighted to receive permission to operate DJI Dock drone-in-a-box technology BVLOS in an atypical air environment. This enables us to conduct these operations for enterprise clients on designated sites.”
Exploring Heliguy’s Services
Organisations interested in adopting drone-in-a-box technology can either integrate these solutions or rely on Heliguy’s turnkey operational services, which deliver all the benefits of automated drone missions without direct ownership.
For more details on Heliguy’s BVLOS capabilities and offerings, visit their official announcement at Heliguy’s website.
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