As the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approaches the finalization of rules for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, a California startup is making waves with a groundbreaking achievement. SiFly, a company that emerged from stealth mode in May, has set a new record for the longest flight of an electric drone weighing between 5-20 kilograms. Their Q12 drone completed a 3-hour, 11-minute flight, surpassing the previous record by nearly an hour, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. This milestone brings SiFly closer to realizing the full potential of quadcopters, which are known for their four-rotor design. “Millions of quadcopters are produced annually for consumer use,” said Brian Hinman, SiFly’s founder and CEO, in an interview with FLYING. “There’s no reason they can’t be scaled up and made more efficient.”
Logan Jones, SiFly’s chief business officer, highlighted the significance of this achievement, especially with the FAA’s proposed rulemaking for Part 108. This rule could significantly expand BVLOS operations, allowing drones with a maximum takeoff weight of up to 1,320 pounds to fly, provided they meet specific airworthiness and design standards. Few drones currently have the endurance to fully capitalize on these expanded operations, but SiFly aims to change that. “Our goal was to match and exceed the performance of light helicopters, but with the cost-effectiveness and ease of use of drones,” Jones explained. The Q12’s impressive endurance could open new opportunities in agriculture and public safety, with hundreds of preorders already in place.
SiFly’s vision extends beyond the limitations of existing regulations. While the FAA’s Part 107 rules for small UAS have been in place for nearly a decade, Hinman believes they have stifled innovation by locking in certain technology configurations. The quadcopter design, popularized by companies like DJI, is often limited to shorter flight times. SiFly’s advancements aim to break these barriers, offering longer flight durations and greater efficiency. With the upcoming Part 108 regulations, the market for advanced drone operations is poised for rapid growth, and SiFly is ready to lead the charge.
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Originally reported by FLYING Magazine Read More
