SwissDrones, together with OMNI Unmanned, has successfully carried out Brazil’s first offshore-to-offshore beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAV operation, according to the companies’ announcement. The test took place off the coast of Rio de Janeiro for a Brazilian energy customer.
The demonstration used the SDO 50 unmanned helicopter, which can take off and land vertically, fly long distances, and carry significant payloads. Despite strong winds and other offshore challenges, OMNI Táxi Aéreo operators guided the aircraft between two platforms, with ground crews at each site coordinating the UAV’s landing and relaunch.
A practical example occurred when a spare part was urgently needed on one platform. The UAV delivered the part quickly, avoiding downtime and demonstrating how such systems can reduce reliance on traditional transport like boats or manned helicopters.
SwissDrones CEO Ulrich Amberg said the trial shows how energy companies can gain faster, safer, more sustainable, and more cost-effective logistics solutions by using UAVs for offshore operations.
Roberto Coimbra, Board Director at OMNI Helicopters International Group, noted that the operation demonstrates UAVs are moving beyond being viewed as future concepts—they are now practical, real-world tools for the energy sector.
The companies also highlighted that UAVs such as the SDO 50 bring advantages in terms of compact storage, reduced emissions, and lower risk compared to conventional offshore transport methods.
