Carbonix Volanti drone gets US approval for BVLOS ops

Carbonix's Volanti drone has been granted a nationwide waiver for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in uncontrolled airspace across the United States.

The Volanti is Carbonix's fully electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone, noted for its versatility, precision, and extended flight capabilities, particularly in conducting rapid aerial surveys over vast and rugged terrain.

The waiver, secured through Carbonix's US partner ArgenTech Solutions, allows these drones to operate beyond the line of sight of the pilot. This development removes the constraints of conventional line-of-sight operations and enhances the capabilities of UAV missions.

Carbonix CEO Philip van der Burg commented on the significance of the waiver. "Our drones are designed for long-range, high-endurance missions, and this approval validates their role as leaders in the UAV space," he said. "With ArgenTech Solutions operating the Volanti in the US, we are excited to bring our innovative technology to a broader market."

The partnership with ArgenTech takes advantage of their expertise in UAV operations and regulatory compliance in various critical industries, such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and energy infrastructure. Earlier this year, ArgenTech supported the Volanti during missions with Quebec-based Exo Drone to combat bushfires in Canada. The drones proved effective in identifying wildfires ignited by lightning strikes.

Brian Veroneau, CEO of ArgenTech Solutions, described the implications of this waiver. "The waiver positions Carbonix and the Volanti as frontrunners in the rapidly evolving UAV industry, setting new benchmarks for safety, scalability, and innovation," he stated. "We are now able to operate at an entirely new scale, providing our clients with more flexible, powerful, and sustainable UAV solutions. Partnering with Carbonix ensures we are equipped with the most advanced UAV technology to deliver exceptional results."

With this waiver, the Volanti becomes the first Australian fixed-wing VTOL drone to conduct fully automated BVLOS missions for commercial purposes. As a result, it is poised to serve a wider range of applications with increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness, marking a pivotal moment for the involved organisations.