The trial included a first of its kind Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operation in Brazil, using SwissDrones’ SDO 50, a long-range Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) unmanned helicopter with high payload capacity.
The multi-day trials saw the UAV tested under severe weather conditions with high winds. Controlled by OMNI Táxi Aéreo pilots, the unmanned helicopter successfully flew between offshore platforms off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The mission included two phases of piloting with ground teams on each platform and seamless midflight autonomous handover of the aircraft.
During the trials, a real-world operational requirement arose, during which a piece of equipment was urgently needed on another platform to prevent downtime. The SDO 50 successfully delivered the part and averted significant additional costs of moving the equipment by boat or helicopter, as well as reduced operational downtime.
Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones, said “It’s great to see energy companies embracing long-range UAV technology that offers faster, safer, greener and more cost-effective air transport between offshore platforms. This project offers a glimpse into the near future of the offshore energy sector, where interaction between platforms is dynamic, convenient and safer than ever before. This future can only be realized, however, with close collaboration between technology developers, piloting and air mobility specialists, and energy companies themselves.”
Roberto Coimbra, Board Director at the OHI Group, said “Unmanned aircraft are no longer a next generation solution for the energy industry. They’re a solution that’s applicable, deployable and needed today, as demonstrated by the real-world spare part scenario that arose during the trial. This Proof-of-Concept demonstrates the power of marrying advanced UAVs with offshore air operations experience.”
These innovative trials showcase the value of UAVs for offshore cargo deliveries. With a compact physical footprint, UAVs enable easy onboard storage and deployment on offshore platforms where space is limited and valuable. Additionally, unmanned helicopters decrease safety risks and carbon emissions compared to their conventional counterparts.
About Omni Helicopters International: Omni Group (OHI) stands at the forefront of Latin America's air mobility and delivery solutions sector. As the region's largest provider of these services, OHI caters to diverse customer groups across multiple segments, ensuring seamless and efficient solutions. Through its subsidiaries Omni Táxi Aéreo in Brazil, Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc., and Omni Helicopters International Mozambique, OHI offers unmatched capability and capacity to serve offshore customers in the fastest growing offshore energy markets. The company's extensive portfolio includes Crew Change, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Firefighting, Search and Rescue operations, as well as highly specialized Cargo and Utility services in remote and challenging locations.
In line with its commitment to innovation and sustainability, OHI has introduced two groundbreaking ventures: OHI Unmanned, a specialist division focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) services, and Revo, a premium advanced air mobility (AAM) solution provider.
About SwissDrones: SwissDrones is the leading provider of aerial intelligence solutions and long-range unmanned helicopter systems, delivering end-to-end support through a comprehensive, vertically-integrated model spanning aircraft, operations, and data insights. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, SwissDrones develops innovative systems and an intelligence-as-a-service solution that’s more sustainable and cost-effective, enabling organizations to reduce emissions and operational risks. Approved in over 30 countries, SwissDrones’ technology sets a new standard with unmatched flight endurance, heavy payload capacity, and real-time data insights for mission-critical operations.