Image: Percepto
Percepto has announced the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of its UAV-in-a-box solution to perform highly automated beyond visual line of sight (HA BVLOS) inspections and monitoring operations at a large solar power plant in Texas.
The HA BVLOS UAV will fly at 200 feet above ground, which is double the altitude of any previously approved operation in the United States. The ability to fly at a higher altitude will enable greater operational flexibility to monitor large areas and tall structures in the future, including mapping and modeling.
Percepto’s HA BVLOS UAV enables an automated detect and avoid cycle, eliminating the need for remote pilot in command interventions if other aircraft are detected. Additionally, this capability negates the need for a pilot or visual observer on site.
The FAA approval for the solar plant deployment serves as a model for other industries including mining and oil and gas, to potentially increase site efficiency through automated remote inspection operation.