Aerial Energy Network Inspections

The objective of this programme is the development and subsequent sales of a long-endurance, lightweight, portable, Beyond Visual Line Of Sight [BVLOS], Remotely Piloted Aerial System [RPAS] targeted at network-based industries, but initially targeting the energy sector, providing a new, automated, much lower cost and safer asset inspection capability for electricity HT power-line and gas pipeline inspections. The challenge for the industry up to now has been the availability of a small, lightweight, remotely-piloted aerial-platform that has the necessary endurance, manoeuvrability & safety capabilities to be able to successfully inspect electricity power-lines and gas pipelines over long distances. Our patented Vertical Take-Off and Landing [VTOL] Flying Wing has more than 2½ times the endurance of any equivalent known alternative RPAS of similar size & weight. The company is working with a number of UK partners also developing world-class breakthrough technologies that will further enhance the exciting capabilities of this unique, British designed platform.

The TSB funding will be used to complete the development & test of a flying Technology Demonstrator that when combined with other programme deliverables, will result in an industry standard solution for network distribution companies in the field of electricity, oil & gas, roads, railways, telecoms as well as first responder / emergency services, border security, fisheries, environmental protection and disaster recovery around the world. First flight trials are expected in 2014 with introduction into service by 2016.