Successful SKYSAFE 23 Project : GRTGaz Chooses SkyBirdsView and Flying-Cam DISCOVERY for a Total of 80 km BVLOS Flight
Demonstrating advances in Digital Sky development, FLYING-CAM is delighted to share the successful completion of an advanced unmanned gas pipeline inspection conducted by SkyBirdsView within the GRTGaz SKYSAFE 23 Project framework. This achievement establishes a new pioneering benchmark in aerial work with Unmanned Civil Helicopters. With a rigorous BVLOS authorization process conducted according to European safety standards and an outstanding aviation work ethic by SkyBirdsView, the Flying-Cam DISCOVERY, a 75kg turbine propulsion long-range VTOL UAS system, was authorized to fly in Epinal (France) by the DGAC French Aviation Authority.
In addition, the FLYING-CAM Research & Development Team provided unique pipeline dynamic line tracking with the Auto-Pilot in the Loop. A live-feed imagery system mounted on a 3-axis gimbal provided real-time monitoring along the entire flight path. Finally, the payload bay included a LIDAR VUX-120 from the company RIEGL in Austria.
Mission Highlights
All Weather Precision Long Range Operation: The DISCOVERY flew through strong winds and heavy showers, still achieving RTK centimeter precision waypoint navigation with a total of 80 km in BVLOS flight.
Automated Strategic Surveillance:
With the DISCOVERY Auto-Pilot in the loop, real-time linear tracking of the pipeline was performed automatically, even when a sinuous trajectory was needed. This advanced approach enabled the live-feed imagery system to permanently align with the complexity of the pipeline while still respecting the airspace allowance.
Dynamic and Adaptive Return to Home:
The Flying-Cam proprietary CAT software, short for Computer Assisted Tele-Operation, was specifically developed to provide advanced safety features, including a Return to Home at any time using the shortest flight path while respecting the flight geography volume and any No-Fly Zone.
Conclusion
A Digital Sky Demonstrator in Real-World Applications
This mission serves as a Digital Sky Demonstrator, validating new concepts and technologies in real-world applications and demonstrating the practical benefits of integrating aerial digital solutions into operational workflows. All while adhering to European Regulatory Standards and contributing to the advancement of Unmanned Aviation Technology.
Industry Acclaim
Mr. Michel Pinet, Head of Surveillance Réseau at GRTGaz, praised the project: "A big thank you to the SkyBirdsView and FLYING-CAM teams for this high-value-added work. Congratulations on this great success." Emmanuel Prévinaire, CEO & Founder of
FLYING-CAM, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We're proud of the innovative work accomplished with our partners, and we're eager to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in Aerial Robotics Technologies."
About FLYING-CAM
FLYING-CAM is a pioneer in VTOL Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technology starting in 1988, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for industrial and commercial applications. With a commitment to safety and excellence, FLYING-CAM continues to set world-wide industry standards in VTOL UAS development and operation.
About SkyBirdsView
SkyBirdsView (SBV) is a renowned provider of Unmanned Aerial services, specializing in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for diverse applications. With a team of experienced professionals coming from the aviation military background, and a commitment to safety and efficiency, SkyBirdsView delivers groundbreaking solutions that redefine the possibilities of aerial surveillance and monitoring.
About GRTgaz
GRTGaz is one of Europe's leading natural gas operators, managing over 32,000 kilometers of buried pipelines that supply gas to millions of consumers annually. Committed to energy transition and innovative solutions, GRTGaz invests in advanced technologies to ensure the safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability of its operations.
About RIEGL
RIEGL, an international leading provider of cutting-edge technology in airborne, mobile, terrestrial, industrial, and unmanned laser scanning solutions, has been producing LiDAR systems commercially for almost 40 years, focusing on pulsed time-of-flight laser radar technology in multiple wavelengths.