FAA BVLOS Waiver for American Robotics Advances Remote Operations Capabilities
Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) has announced that its subsidiary, American Robotics, received a new Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This waiver allows expanded drone operations over people and moving vehicles, managed remotely from the company’s Baltimore Global Operations Control Center (OCC).
Enhanced Capabilities for BVLOS Operations
This FAA waiver marks a significant step for the drone industry. The Optimus System, described as the only FAA Type Certified uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for security and inspection, now operates under advanced BVLOS permissions. According to Ondas, the waiver enables enhanced services for sectors such as defense, public safety, and infrastructure inspection.
“Securing this FAA BVLOS waiver is a testament to the strength of our technology and the trust we continue to build with regulators,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings. “This achievement enhances the operational capabilities of our Optimus System, enabling us to better serve defense, government, and commercial customers with advanced solutions for DFR, critical asset inspection, and more.”
The Optimus System’s capabilities are supported by Kestrel, an advanced airspace management and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution. Together, these technologies offer customers scalable and efficient solutions for diverse applications.
Preparing for Industry Growth
The waiver also aligns with preparations for the anticipated FAA Part 108 framework. Timothy “T3” Tenne, CEO of American Robotics, emphasized the broader implications of the waiver:
“This waiver is not just a regulatory achievement — it’s a validation of our commitment to advancing the drone industry at scale. As we complete the build-out of our global Operations Control Center (OCC), we’re not only enhancing our ability to provide worldwide operational services but also preparing for the FAA’s forthcoming Part 108 framework. This includes enabling one Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) to oversee multiple UAS, paving the way for greater scalability across the industry.”
The OCC will allow American Robotics to monitor and manage its systems globally, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations and enhancing customer service. This operational flexibility positions the company to address the growing demands of various industries, including defense, government, and critical infrastructure.
Upcoming Event Showcases Capabilities
American Robotics will host a “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) event on January 16, 2025, at its Baltimore headquarters. Attendees will see live demonstrations of the Optimus System and Kestrel solution in real-world scenarios. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact American Robotics at contact@american-robotics.com.
About Ondas Holdings Inc.
Ondas Holdings provides private industrial wireless networks and automated drone solutions. Its subsidiaries, including American Robotics, design and deliver advanced systems for data collection and remote operations. Ondas’ drone platforms are marketed as “drone-in-a-box” solutions, supporting critical industrial and government applications under a Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) model.
For additional details, visit Ondas Holdings and American Robotics.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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