Outperforming manned helicopters in commercial and mission-critical operations,
SwissDrones’ unmanned, heavy-lift, twin-rotor helicopters are uniquely positioned for
Australia and Asia Pacific.
Zurich, Switzerland and Perth, Australia – 30 June 2021 – From fighting wildfires to
inspecting power lines and conducting emergency response missions, Australia and the
Asia Pacific Region have long depended on the use of manned rotorcraft. However,
because many of these missions require rotorcraft to operate over long distances, at
night, during all weather conditions, in remote areas, and with limited to no
infrastructure, these operations are inherently dangerous.
But now there is the SDO 50 V2 – a safer, cheaper, and cleaner way of conducting
critical missions.
Developed by SwissDrones, a global manufacturer of long-range unmanned helicopter
systems, the SDO 50 V2 is a multipurpose, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL),
unmanned helicopter system that can be operated beyond visual line of sight.
Its unique design features provide superior 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 long-range missions in adverse weather
conditions, 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, and stable flight patterns. This arrangement also allows the
helicopter to function without a tail rotor, which saves additional power and allows a
significantly higher payload to weight ratio.
Well Suited for the APAC Region
Entering the Australian and Asia Pacific markets, 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 long history in the 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.”
Each SDO 50 V2 comes backed by SwissDrones’ industry-leading training, service and
support program. To learn more about the SwissDrones SDO 50 V2, contact Éire
Aviation at +61 480 122 948 or [email protected]
About SwissDrones
SwissDrones is a globally expanding Swiss aviation company specializing in the
development, manufacturing, and operation of long-range unmanned helicopter
systems for commercial and public safety applications. The company’s unique twin-rotor
aircraft are designed to replace manned helicopters at reduced costs, significantly lower
carbon emissions, and without putting crews at risk when operating in challenging
weather conditions. Main fields of application include aerial surveillance, search &
rescue, and critical infrastructure inspection missions. The systems allow for the
integration of multiple high-end sensor payloads simultaneously and enable long-range,
beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations both day and night with an endurance of
multiple hours. SwissDrones aircraft are in operation across Asia, Europe, and North
America. SwissDrones was founded in 2013 and is based in Switzerland with its
headquarters in Zurich and its manufacturing site in Buchs (St. Gallen). For more
information, please visit www.swissdrones.com
About Éire Aviation
Éire Aviation is at the forefront of aviation technology excellence in the Asia Pacific
Region. For over 20 years the company has provided aviation services and technologies
that transform the way their customers do business. Éire 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. Éire is an approved business
partner of SwissDrones for the Asia Pacific region and an exclusive sales channel for
SwissDrones products to resource organizations/industries including Mining, OGP,
Forestry and Energy within Australia, NZ, Papa New Guinea, Indonesia, and Singapore.
The company operates on a quality-first ethos and employs a team of exceptional
aviation professionals who are available to help organizations implement cutting-edge
aviation standards into their businesses. Éire Aviation is based in Perth, Western Australia. For more information visit www.eireaviation.com
