Sept. 18 (TN) SwissDrones, a provider of advanced aerial intelligence solutions specializing in long-range unmanned helicopter systems, and Omni Unmanned, a leading air transport company serving the oil sector and part of the Omni Helicopters International (OHI) group, recently completed an offshore Proof of Concept test for an energy company in Brazil. The test included the first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operation in the country, using the SwissDrones SDO 50, a long-range, high-lift, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned helicopter.
The tests, conducted over several days, tested the UAV in severe weather conditions with strong winds. Piloted by Omni Táxi Aéreo pilots, the unmanned helicopter successfully flew between offshore platforms off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The mission included two piloting phases, with teams on each platform and the seamless, autonomous transfer of the aircraft mid-flight.
During the tests, a real operational need arose: a piece of equipment needed to be urgently transported to another platform to avoid downtime. The SDO 50 successfully completed the delivery, avoiding significant costs that would have been incurred by transport by boat or helicopter, and reducing operational downtime.
“It’s great to see energy companies adopting long-range UAV technologies that offer faster, safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective air transport between offshore platforms,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “This project offers a glimpse into the near future of the offshore energy sector, where platform interaction is dynamic, convenient, and safer than ever before. However, this future can only be realized through close collaboration between technology developers, pilotage and air mobility experts, and the energy companies themselves.”
“Unmanned aircraft are no longer a next-generation solution for the energy industry. They are a applicable, deployable, and necessary solution today, as demonstrated by the real-world scenario of the spare part that emerged during the test,” said Roberto Coimbra, Director of the OHI Group Board. “This Proof of Concept demonstrates the power of combining advanced UAVs with expertise in offshore aerial operations.”
These innovative tests highlight the value of UAVs for offshore cargo deliveries. With their compact physical footprint, UAVs allow for simple storage and deployment onboard platforms, where space is limited and valuable. Furthermore, unmanned helicopters reduce safety risks and carbon emissions compared to conventional alternatives.
About Omni Helicopters International:
Omni Group (OHI) is at the forefront of the air mobility and transportation solutions sector in Latin America. As the largest provider of these services in the region, OHI serves diverse customer groups across multiple segments, ensuring agile and efficient solutions. Through its subsidiaries Omni Táxi Aéreo in Brazil, Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc., and Omni Helicopters International Mozambique, OHI offers unparalleled capabilities to serve offshore clients in the world’s fastest-growing energy markets. The company’s 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 launched two pioneering initiatives: OHI Unmanned, a division specializing in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services, and Revo, a premium provider of advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions.
About SwissDrones:
SwissDrones is a leading provider of aerial intelligence solutions and long-range unmanned helicopter systems, offering comprehensive support through a vertically integrated model that encompasses aircraft, operations, and data insights. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, SwissDrones develops innovative systems and a more sustainable and cost-effective intelligence-as-a-service solution, enabling organizations to reduce emissions and operational risks. Approved in over 30 countries, SwissDrones’ technology sets a new standard with unmatched flight endurance, high payload, and real-time insights for critical operations.
Brazil Energy Insight 
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