Uncrewed helicopter systems are a growing niche in the drone industry, providing the power and maneuverability of a helicopter without the expense or risk of an onboard pilot. Now, another round of funding for SwissDrones uncrewed helicopter systems will help boost the company’s global expansion.
“SwissDrones, a global manufacturer of long-range uncrewed helicopter systems for inspection, surveillance and public safety applications, today announced that it has secured additional 7-figure funding in a round led by DiamondStream Partners, an aviation and aerospace venture capital firm, with participation from existing investors. SwissDrones plans to use the funding to accelerate product development and expand global go-to-market activities,” says the company press release.
“We see SwissDrones as leaders in bringing next-generation aviation technology to critical use cases in infrastructure inspection, aerial surveillance and public safety,” said David Spurlock, Managing Director of DiamondStream Partners. “The combination of the payload/range of the aircraft, a focus on customer service needs, and a platform that will enable high levels of asset utilization are set to bring disruptive economics to catalyze growth in these market segments. We are excited to support the company as it grows as a leader in this space and brings tremendous value across the sector.”
Uncrewed helicopter systems offer a safer and less expensive solution for many long range missions. The SwissDrone aircraft integrates high-end sensors up to 88 pounds, and have a flight endurance of several hours. SwissDrones says that their platform also provides a significant environmental benefit over traditional crewed helicopters. “SwissDrones aircraft emit up to 95 percent fewer CO2 emissions than crewed helicopters….” says the company.
“We are very happy to have DiamondStream Partners as a new investor,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “Our team looks forward to leveraging their vast entrepreneurial and operational experience in the aviation and aerospace industries as we strive to transform the way aerial intelligence is gathered in crucial applications worldwide.”
SwissDrones has worked closely with global aviation authorities, garnering them one of the first European drone operator license, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC). The certificate allows SwissDrones to self-authorize flight operations of its aircraft across EASA countries, including BVLOS operations, within the limits of the certificate: and is the highest authorization achievable under current European drone regulations. “The SwissDrones SDO 50 uncrewed helicopter platform has also received a Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC-EC) from the FAA in the US. Additional regulatory approvals will be announced in the coming months,” says the company.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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