Developed by SwissDrones Operating AG, the SDO 50 V2 is a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), unmanned helicopter system that can be operated within or beyond visual line of sight.
Its design features provide payload capacity (45 kg/99 lbs, including fuel), long-endurance (3+ hours), stable flight patterns, the ability to carry single or multiple high-quality sensors, and a high degree of safety features. An integrated autopilot system enables autonomous take-off and landing procedures as well as autonomous flight patterns.
“Our unmanned aerial solutions were made for missions in critical conditions, such as high winds, rain and snow, day and night, at high altitude, and a large spectrum of temperatures – all without any risk to the crew,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones.
The SDO 50 V2 uses the Flettner system of intermeshing twin rotors turning in opposite directions. Each rotor mast is mounted at a slight angle to the other to allow the blades to intermesh without colliding. The unique design provides a superior payload capacity, prolonged endurance, stable flight patterns, and a high degree of safety. This arrangement also allows the helicopter to function without a tail rotor, which saves additional power and allows a higher payload to weight ratio.
Well Suited for the APAC Region
Entering the Australian and Asia Pacific markets today, the SDO 50 V2 is available through Éire Aviation. At the forefront of aviation technology excellence in the Asia Pacific region, Éire Aviation has a deep history in the traditional manned aviation sector. The company specializes in opening new markets to new technologies, not only through sales but with a full range of services, including auditing, strategic advisory and operations.
“Not only are the SDO 50 V2’s features and capabilities ideally suited for the unique demands of Australia and the Asia Pacific region, but it also offers the same sensor payload performance as a manned helicopter without the inherent limitations,” said Ronnie Fahy, CEO of Éire Aviation. “The aircraft is the perfect payload, safety, technological and performance unit for the geography and use cases required in the APAC region.”
Key benefits
Unlike manned missions, the SDO 50 V2 can operate over long distances without the need for infrastructure and with only minimal ground support. In fact, the aircraft can be easily transported to the work location via van, from which two crew members can deploy it in less than 15 minutes and with little to no infrastructure required.
Furthermore, since the SDO-50 V2 can operate on a number of different fuel types, fuel planning is not as restrictive a requirement as with traditional rotorcraft types. This can eliminate fuel diversion requirements. It also results in 90%+ less CO2 emissions than its manned counterparts – all while offering comparable endurance and sensor payload capacities but at just a fraction of the cost.
Another key differentiator is that the SDO 50 V2 can safely operate at night, in adverse weather conditions, and in other scenarios deemed too dangerous for manned operations.
“When working with SwissDrones you have a safer and cleaner alternative to traditional manned rotorcraft missions,” said Luca Santini, Head of Sales of SwissDrones. “We see this as being a real game-changer for firefighting, emergency services, oil and gas, maritime patrol, and infrastructure inspection missions happening in Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region.”
