US energy provider Southern Company has partnered with SwissDrones, a Swiss-based developer of long-range unmanned helicopter systems, to enhance its infrastructure monitoring capabilities. The agreement includes the deployment of SwissDrones’ SDO 50, an unmanned helicopter approved for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations in over 30 countries.
The SDO 50 features vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and a heavy payload capacity, serving as an alternative to manned aircraft. SwissDrones states that the system reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional methods.
Southern Company will use the drones to modernize maintenance procedures, improve infrastructure inspections, and accelerate storm damage assessments. This marks SwissDrones’ first contract with the US energy firm, supporting its expansion into North America.
