SwissDrones

SwissDrones is a Swiss aerospace company specializing in long-range unmanned helicopter systems designed for aerial intelligence, surveillance, and cargo transport missions. Founded in Zurich, it has developed its platforms to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), making them valuable for critical applications such as border security, search and rescue, and infrastructure inspection.

The company’s flagship models, based on helicopter configurations rather than quadcopters, combine heavy-lift capacity with long endurance and the ability to fly in challenging weather. With global partnerships and certifications, SwissDrones is positioning itself as a key player in the professional drone market, bridging the gap between manned aviation and lightweight UAVs.

SDO-50

The SwissDrones SDO-50 V2 is a long-range unmanned helicopter designed for professional missions requiring high endurance and payload flexibility. it is powered by a Rotax 582 two-stroke piston engine, producing 65 hp and enabling operations up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft) altitude. The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of around 191 kg (421 lbs), can carry a useful payload of up to 45 kg (99 lbs), and offers an endurance of over 3 hours depending on the load and mission profile.

With a cruising speed of about 100 km/h (62 mph) and a range exceeding 200 km (124 miles), the SDO-50 supports BVLOS operations in diverse climates. Its modular payload bay allows integration of EO/IR sensors, LiDAR, mapping systems, or cargo pods, making it highly adaptable for surveillance, mapping, inspection, or medical delivery missions. The helicopter configuration gives it superior stability, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) ability, and robust performance in adverse weather compared to conventional multicopter drones.