American Robotics, a subsidiary of Ondas Holdings Inc., has received a significant Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), facilitating enhanced remote operations capabilities for drone technology. This announcement highlights a notable advancement in the drone industry, allowing for expanded drone operations over people and moving vehicles from the company's Baltimore Global Operations Control Center (OCC).
The BVLOS waiver marks a critical milestone for the Optimus System, recognised as the only FAA Type Certified uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) specifically designed for security and inspection purposes. This approval enables the system to operate under advanced permissions, thereby enhancing various services in sectors including defense, public safety, and infrastructure inspection.
Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings, commented on the achievement by stating, “Securing this FAA BVLOS waiver is a testament to the strength of our technology and the trust we continue to build with regulators.” He further noted that this enhancement to the operational capabilities of the Optimus System will allow the company to serve government, defense, and commercial clients with advanced solutions.
The effectiveness of the Optimus System is augmented by Kestrel, an advanced airspace management and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) solution. Together, they provide scalable and efficient solutions for a range of applications crucial to the operating paradigms of modern industries.
In addition to the immediate operational benefits, the waiver aligns with American Robotics’ initiatives in preparation for the upcoming FAA Part 108 framework. Timothy “T3” Tenne, CEO of American Robotics, remarked on the broader industry implications of the waiver, stating, “This waiver is not just a regulatory achievement — it’s a validation of our commitment to advancing the drone industry at scale.” He explained that as the build-out of their global OCC continues, the company is poised to enhance their capabilities for providing expansive operational services while adhering to evolving regulations. This framework is expected to enable one Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) to hover over multiple UAS, which underscores the potential for significant scalability within the sector.
The OCC is designed to monitor and manage American Robotics' global systems, ensuring compliance and improving customer service as the demand for drone services rises across various industries including defence and critical infrastructure.
To showcase the capabilities of the Optimus System, American Robotics is hosting a “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) event at its Baltimore headquarters on January 16, 2025. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of the Optimus System and Kestrel solution in action within real-world scenarios. Those interested in attending can contact American Robotics via email for further information.
Ondas Holdings Inc. produces private industrial wireless networks and automated drone solutions through its various subsidiaries. Their drone platforms, branded as “drone-in-a-box” systems, are tailored to serve critical applications across industrial and governmental sectors, operating under a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model.
Source: Noah Wire Services