Under a newly signed memorandum of understanding, High Lander and Thirdeye Systems have launched their first field programme, deploying a multi-aircraft, ground-based detect-and-avoid capability that shows how beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight can move from case-by-case approvals to routine operations at scale.
“The trial’s purpose is to assess Thirdeye’s autonomous optical system as a complement to, and potentially an alternative to, the human observer, and to understand where the system fits within the wider operational ecosystem,” says High Lander in a press release.
“Drones operated by Dronery and a helicopter operated by Brook Aviation flew a series of separate passes so the system’s detection could be measured against that of a ground observer. The passes covered demanding conditions: aircraft above and below the horizon, targets seen against open sky and against terrain, approaches from the direction of the sun, and varied lighting. A controlled approach scenario between the helicopter and the drones then examined whether the system can flag a developing conflict in time to matter.
“The long-term value of this programme does not rest on standalone target detection. The broader strategic objective is validating how real-time optical tracking data can be ingested, processed, and utilized inside a centralized, multi-operator traffic environment. High Lander serves as the architectural link connecting the physical sensor layer to the digital airspace management ecosystem.”
“BVLOS operations are the future of aviation, opening up new possibilities for business, public safety, security, and defence,” said Alon Abelson, CEO and co-founder of High Lander. “Getting there requires more than just tracking; it requires total airspace clarity. By bridging the gap between traffic management and sophisticated optical detection, we are giving the industry the transparency and safety standards the next era of aviation depends on.”
Ground-based DAA sensors offer a scalable alternative to individual aircraft hardware. By distributing autonomous sensors across recurring routes, strategic corridors, and high-density operational zones, multiple operators can utilize a single, shared surveillance layer, says the company.
High Lander and Thirdeye intend to continue evaluating the system across further conditions and use cases.
For more information
https://www.highlander.io/
(Image: High Lander)