Southern Company becomes first U.S. energy utility to deploy heavy unmanned helicopters for long-range inspections

The FAA’s long-anticipated BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drone rules are edging closer to finalization, than ever. But one major energy company isn’t waiting on the sidelines. Southern Company, the nation’s second-largest energy provider, is now the first U.S. utility to deploy the SDO 50, a heavy-lift unmanned helicopter from Switzerland-based drone maker SwissDrones. Those drones are able to fly for more than three hours — which definitely takes them far beyond BVLOS.

The multi-aircraft deployment marks a major milestone for both companies and signals a turning point for how the American energy sector manages thousands of miles of power lines, pipelines and storm-ravaged infrastructure.

And for the drone industry, it’s interesting news to see such massive aircraft without a human pilot conducting flights this long.

What to know about SwissDrones and its SDO 50 heavy-lift done

Image courtesy of SwissDrones

For SwissDrones, this deal marks its first hardware contract with a U.S. energy company. It’s also a calculated bet on the American market. Though the SDO 50 is already certified in over 30 countries, it’s only now that SwissDrones is really positioning itself as a go-to solution for BVLOS operations involving large, mission-critical aircraft in the U.S., too.

3+ hour flights over remote terrain

Unlike the smaller quadcopters that have become ubiquitous for spot inspections, the SwissDrones SDO 50 offers a staggering flight endurance of over 3 hours, along with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities and the ability to fly well beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

It can carry a heavy payload of advanced sensors including laser methane detectors, high-res RGB/EO/IR cameras and more — making it ideal for pipeline and power line surveillance over rugged, remote environments. This scale of autonomy allows Southern Company to fly the same long-range inspection route weekly.

Why multi-hour flight times matter

The benefit to the company (and its customers)? Generating consistent, comparable data to detect minor anomalies before they snowball into system-wide outages or costly repairs.

“From an increase in extreme weather events to cumbersome inspection practices, companies need new, innovative solutions,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones in a prepared statement. “Teaming up with Southern Company will enable more efficient aerial surveillance and inspection to navigate those challenges.”

How much does it cost, and what’s included?

Image courtesy of SwissDrones

While pricing varies by configuration, the SDO 50’s flexibility and mission-specific integration give it a unique edge in the emerging heavy-UAS sector. Its modular sensor suite includes: laser methane detectors to identify gas leaks with GPS-level accuracy, EO/IR cameras for high-resolution thermal and optical video, AI analysis for post-flight automation of anomaly detection and reporting, and autonomous route repeats to fly the exact same corridor week after week for time-series comparisons.

The drone also integrates with SwissDrones’ Intelligence-as-a-Service platform, allowing clients to bundle hardware with flight crew, monitoring and post-flight data processing.

A strategic launch just ahead of BVLOS reform

This partnership arrives in the wake of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on BVLOS drone flights. That order, which was signed on June 6, mandates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to finalize rules enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for commercial and public safety use.

Once finalized, the rule is expected to dramatically expand legal access for long-range commercial drone operations in U.S. airspace. And when it does, it will unlock a new era of industrial UAV applications like these. And for SwissDrones, it means more potential customers well beyond Southern Company.

The benefits of using heavy-lift drones over long distances

Beyond regulatory timing, this news from Southern Company addresses three key challenges facing modern utilities that affect customers today. Those include:

Climate and reliability: As storm-related outages rise, Southern Company can now conduct faster storm damage assessments and real-time inspections, reducing downtime and improving service reliability.

Emission reduction: The SDO 50 cuts emissions by up to 95% compared to manned helicopters used for the same tasks.

Worker safety: Flying over hazardous or remote areas now requires fewer personnel on the ground or in the air, reducing exposure to risk.

“This technology enhances our ability to gather high-quality data for both electric and gas operations,” said Dean Barefield, UAS program manager at Southern Company in a prepared statement. “It allows us to cover greater distances across our power lines in the Southeast and our natural gas infrastructure throughout our broader service territory.”

The broader trend: infrastructure drones are taking off

Southern Company’s move is not just symbolic — it’s also highly strategic. Utility companies have long used drones for small-scale checks, but BVLOS approval unlocks exponential value. Other new drones on the market, like DJI’s Matrice 400 which launched in June, are also proof of that.

Drones can reduce inspection costs by eliminating manned flights, detect environmental and mechanical degradation earlier, and minimize service downtime and emergency response times. As wildfires, hurricanes and grid demand all intensify, enterprise demand for large autonomous UAVs is booming.

That comes as legislative pressure mounts to limit Chinese drone use — which is posing a headache for big players like DJI. For SwissDrones, it could be an opportunity. After all SwissDrones’ non-Chinese, NATO-aligned platform might be that attractive and compliant alternative for American companies looking to scale without using drones made in China.

With the FAA’s BVLOS rule on the horizon and growing demand for greener, safer and more cost-effective aerial inspection methods, the SwissDrones x Southern Company deployment might be a bellwether for what’s to come.

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430 DJI Drone Ban, Battery Fires, and Beta Alia’s Transatlantic Flight

In episode 430 of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof return from vacation with urgent news and safety concerns in the drone industry. The episode opens with a major headline: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not available in the United States. Although the drone boasts high-end specs—including a 6K camera and improved flight performance—it’s currently unavailable in the U.S. due to concerns about data security and alleged ties between DJI and the Chinese government.

The ban stems from a long-standing effort by U.S. government agencies to restrict the use of DJI drones, especially after reports emerged that some DJI models were transmitting sensitive data back to China. The Pentagon, in particular, flagged DJI as a national security risk. In light of this, many online resellers and websites claiming to sell the Mavic 4 Pro may be scams. Max warns of fake DJI websites offering steep discounts, unauthorized sellers providing units without warranty coverage, and used drones that are “bricked” due to being locked to previous owners’ DJI accounts. Buyers are urged to verify the source before purchasing any DJI drone—especially when new models are not officially available.

Next, the discussion shifts to drone battery fires, a serious issue affecting both hobbyist and commercial UAV operators. Max highlights a recent vehicle fire in Mountain View, California, caused by a drone battery left charging on the passenger seat of a truck. Though the fire was extinguished quickly and injuries were minor, it serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with charging LiPo (lithium polymer) batteries in enclosed or flammable environments.

In a separate and more devastating incident, a house in Kenosha County, Wisconsin was completely destroyed by a fire linked to drone batteries charging unattended. Tragically, several pets were lost in the blaze. According to reports, the batteries were connected to a newly purchased six-foot drone, and the homeowner had left them charging for hours while away from home. The episode underscores the importance of charging drone batteries only in safe, monitored locations—preferably on a non-flammable surface such as concrete and never inside unattended vehicles or homes.

From fire hazards to electric flight innovation, Max and David then explore the historic cross-Atlantic flight of Beta Technologies’ Alia electric aircraft. The Beta Alia CX300, a fixed-wing eVTOL aircraft, is currently touring Europe and made headlines for flying across the Irish Sea under VFR rules. Its final destination is Bristow Helicopters in Norway, a company known for operating offshore flights to oil platforms.

The Alia’s 250-nautical-mile range—significantly farther than most other electric VTOL aircraft—positions it as a promising alternative to traditional helicopters. Max notes that replacing helicopters for short regional missions is one of the most realistic and cost-effective early use cases for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Beta Alia also features fixed wings to improve lift and efficiency during cruise, giving it a hybrid profile that blends characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters.

In defense-related drone news, the episode also covers the U.S. Department of Defense’s recent unveiling of two “loyal wingman” drone programs—the QF-42 and QF-44. These autonomous fighter drones are designed to fly alongside manned aircraft like the upcoming F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, providing added firepower, surveillance capability, and operational safety. David notes that these aircraft are in the pre-production phase and may be deployed in the coming years as force multipliers in high-risk combat zones.

The rise of autonomous military drones is reshaping battlefield tactics, and even U.S. ground troops are training to evade detection from enemy drones. A recent report reveals that the U.S. Army is now showing new recruits how they appear to enemy UAVs during surveillance missions, emphasizing the importance of movement discipline and cover when drones are overhead.

On the civilian side, Max discusses a new product from uAvionix called SkyAlert—a wearable aircraft detection system designed for drone pilots and visual observers. The compact device receives dual-band ADS-B signals and gives real-time audio and visual alerts when manned aircraft are nearby. This enhances safety during drone operations, especially in mixed-use airspace near airports or urban areas. SkyAlert integrates with several popular electronic flight bag (EFB) apps like ForeFlight, SkyDemon, and OzRunways. Although still on pre-order, its $499 price point may appeal to commercial operators and professional drone pilots seeking an added layer of situational awareness.

While wearable drone safety tech shows promise, Max and David debate whether alarm fatigue or sensory overload could diminish its effectiveness. Drawing parallels to over-complicated aircraft cockpits, they emphasize the need for smart filtering and possibly automated drone responses, such as auto-landing when a threat is detected.

The episode closes with a tease for next week: Max received two drone deliveries to his front lawn—not deliveries of drones he purchased, but actual drones lowering deliveries into place and flying off. This real-world experience with drone delivery services will be the focus of the next episode.

From DJI drone bans and battery fire safety tips to electric aircraft innovation and military UAV trends, episode 430 offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of drone technology. Whether you fly drones recreationally, operate commercially, or are simply fascinated by aerospace innovation, please tell your friends about UAV News Talk, and encourage them to listen.