and AviSight, a provider of critical infrastructure inspections, announced the use of Elsight‘s Halo, an AI-based UAV connectivity solution, to enable beyond the visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) inspections with precise data collection in extensive oil & gas pipeline inspections over difficult terrain.
At the heart of this collaboration is Elsight’s Halo, a lightweight, highly reliable communications system. Halo’s AI-based software aggregates multiple IP links to a secure bond using public and private cellular, satellite, and RF technologies ensuring uninterrupted drone communications even in the most challenging environments. Whether it’s disaster response, surveillance, deliveries or lengthy remote inspections, UAV flights powered by the Elsight Halo complete the mission with continuous transmission of high-bandwidth video and data to the command-and-control center (C2).
When facing the operational and economic challenges of data collection from major pipelines, AviSight’s CEO, Suzanne Herring, was quite rigorous in her selection of the optimal VTOL drone and the BVLOS connectivity solution for these missions and required connectivity with the highest bandwidth, lowest latency, highest redundancy, and of course, the most reliable link.
“AviSight’s reputation is dependent on our ability to provide accurate, timely and consistently critical infrastructure inspections through the use of unmanned ariel systems in a cost-effective manner. In a technology market that is rapidly developing, it is essential to remain innovative in our systems methodology while also embodying the challenges of an efficient execution of the mission. With C2 linkage being a primary priority for our BVLOS missions, it was essential to find a partner with the capabilities to maintain communications throughout our volatile terrains. Elsight has provided us with the ability to maintain C2 through vast wetlands, mountainous regions, and remote areas. While Event 38’s E455 has given us the ability to fly extensive linear inspections efficiently and more cost effectively,”
said CEO of AviSight, Suzanne Herring.
“We sought the right combination to maintain command and control over more than 2,000 miles of pipeline inspections in a variety of terrains. Event 38 and Elsight enabled us to overcome terrain and distance challenges and provide precise data to our customers ensuring their regulatory compliance,”
added Herring.
Event 38 Unmanned Systems latest VTOL, the E455 is a premier fixed wing, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone. At 55lbs, the E455 offers a 2.5-hour flight endurance on battery power alone. The E455 is designed to carry a diverse range of payloads, including mapping sensors, LiDAR, and EO/IR surveillance sensors, meeting the strict demands of various applications such as lengthy pipeline inspections.
“The high bandwidth and low power usage of the Elsight Halo paired with the E455 open endless possibilities of inspections over long distances and rugged terrain that were not possible previously,” said Jeff Taylor, CEO of Event 38 Unmanned Systems. “Our E455 VTOL was able to get closer to the pipelines with the help of Elsight.”
“Working with Event 38 and AviSight has been very fulfilling from both technological and business perspectives. Our Halo was designed for mission-critical goals, particularly, in difficult situations,” said Yoav Amitai, CEO of Elsight. “Elsight optimizes the use of drones in many industries with reliable BVLOS connectivity for operational effectiveness. At the same time, we enable industry growth by using only one operator to control a drone fleet from remote locations anywhere. This is how we see our Halo as a market catalyst for drones in pipelines, and inspections in many industries, in which removing the human element delivers better and safer results.”
Source: Press Release