Nordic Unmanned Starts Operations for Offshore Logistics Services in Brazil
Historic Firsts in Brazil Achieved:
1. First offshore cargo transport using an uncrewed aircraft.
2. First long-distance night flight offshore.
3. First night time offshore landing with an UAV.
4. First drone flight in shared airspace with crewed offshore aeromedical aircraft.
5. The longest distance covered by a civil uncrewed aircraft.
Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has issued the permit to fly Class 1 UAV in BVLOS flights in Brazil, and operations are being conducted by OHI Unmanned - the joint venture between Nordic Unmanned and Omni Helicopters International (OHI).
Brazilian civil aviation has reached an unprecedented milestone with the completion of the country´s first long-distance flight with a civilian drone. This achievement represents a significant advancement for the country in the use of remotely piloted aircraft. Conducted for Petrobras on the 19th of June, the night flight at 8,000 feet covered 198km over the sea, from the Imbetiba Base in Macaé (RJ) to the offshore platform P-51, marking the first offshore cargo transport using an unmanned aircraft in Brazil.
Our Schiebel Camcopter S-100 drones are now flying regular missions from Omni’s base in Macaé, conducting day and night flights to various offshore installations. This marks the beginning of commercial long-range drone flights in Brazil’s offshore sector.
These pioneering operations highlight our global scalability and unwavering commitment to innovation in autonomous aviation. By leveraging our extensive European experience and collaborating with local experts, we’re setting new standards for the future of drone logistics.
Lars Landsnes, COO of Nordic Unmanned, said: “We are excited to see OMNI OHI Unmanned and Omni Táxi Aéro begin work and bring value so quickly after its establishment. This cooperation between manned and unmanned aviation organisations offers an opportunity for continued adaptation and growth of our services in the years ahead, both in general and specifically in logistics as the market develops.”
The mission’s goal was to transport cargo and to collect essential data on the sharing of airspace between UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and helicopters. This integration represents a significant step in the development of unmanned aerial logistics, which will result in increased efficiency and safety in operations.
João Welsh, CEO of OHI Unmanned, commented: “OHI is at the forefront of sustainable solutions supporting the orderly energy transition – this permit opens the door to significantly reduced costs and CO2 emissions for smaller and urgent payloads replacing the use of conventional helicopters and boats.”
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