Aussie drone manufacturer, Carbonix, has obtained BVLoS approval in Riverstone, Greater Sydney, using its Aussie built VTOL/fixed wing aircraft in the 25 kg category. The approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is one of the first given to a long range aerial data capture aircraft, paving the way for Carbonix to complete BVLOS testing with sophisticated payloads including surveying LiDar scanners and photogrammetry cameras.
What does the approval mean for Carbonix?
Commenting on the latest approval, Carbonix Chief Executive Officer, Philip van der Burg, said, “This is an exciting milestone for Carbonix. It’s the culmination of years of testing and precision engineering validating the risk profile of our aircraft and our procedures.”
“BVLoS is the last element of unlocking disruptive aerial data capture that will shed our reliance on more hazardous and less environmentally-friendly helicopter fleets. Having approval to carry out missions with our aircraft and procedures means we can unlock the full capabilities of our solutions and continue to develop world class UAV systems,” Philip said.
What are the specifics of the approval?
Under the approval, Carbonix uncrewed aircraft can now fly inside airspace controlled by the RAAF Richmond base, with coordination from the Australian Air Force. Initially Carbonix will be using the airspace to unlock the capabilities of its Volanti aircraft including its 160 km range and strength of its remote communication links and pre-programmed emergency actions.
The approval follows a strong 2022 for Carbonix, having scaled up production after inking a deal with aerospace manufacturer Quickstep and partnering with a range of organisations to support their aerial surveying programs including SA Power Networks, The ACT Rural Fire Service and Geo-data specialist Fugro. Operations are scheduled to begin in March this year.
