The success of Phoenix Air Unmanned’s (PAU) 320-mile beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) pipeline patrolhighlights the growing role of drones in long-range industrial applications—applications that have the potential to dramatically shift the value proposition for uncrewed systems and reshape industry norms for pipeline inspection. Here, a look at one of the technologies that made this operation possible: the command and control (C2) solution that ensured seamless connectivity throughout the mission.
Reliable Connectivity for Long-Distance BVLOS Operations
Conducting extended BVLOS flights requires uninterrupted communication between the aircraft and its operators. PAU utilized the Event 38 E455 UAS, a fixed-wing, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone, to conduct 16 BVLOS flights across the pipeline route. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, the aircraft logged 332.4 miles of total flight distance, delivering real-time video and telemetry data to SPLC inspectors for immediate analysis and archival purposes.
A key enabler of the mission’s success was Elsight’s Halo, a compact connectivity solution that aggregates multiple IP links—including cellular, satellite, and RF technologies—to ensure a secure, fail-safe connection. This capability is particularly critical for long-distance, remote, and industrial UAS operations, where network redundancy prevents single points of failure and supports regulatory compliance.
“We saw the difference in our results when using Elsight Halo for continuous connectivity—in the precision of the data collected, the distance flown, and the ability to remotely control the UAV from an offsite location,” said Will Wheeler, Director of Operations at Phoenix Air Unmanned. “When connectivity is that robust, it becomes a foundation for regulatory approvals and significantly scales our operations.”
Scaling UAS for Infrastructure Inspections
With growing industry demand for autonomous infrastructure monitoring, the success of this BVLOS patrol reinforces the scalability of UAS for critical asset inspections. The ability to conduct a 300-mile linear pipeline survey in a single flight day demonstrates the potential for reduced operational costs, improved data collection, and enhanced safety compared to traditional inspection methods.
“Elsight has developed innovative wireless dispersion capabilities that eliminate single points of failure and ensure mission continuity over complex terrain and in challenging conditions,” said Yoav Amitai, CEO of Elsight. “We are pleased to support leading UAS manufacturers and operators in the U.S. as they demonstrate new real-world applications that benefit both industry and society.”
About Phoenix Air Unmanned
Founded in 2014, Phoenix Air Unmanned (PAU) is an industry leader in utility infrastructure inspections, with more than 17,500 miles of unmanned linear inspections completed. As an affiliate of Phoenix Air Group, Inc., a Part 135 air carrier, PAU specializes in BVLOS operations, FAA authorizations, and safety management systems. In 2021, it became the first registered International Standards for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage 1 operator for remotely piloted aircraft systems.
About Elsight
Elsight (ASX:ELS) provides robust, secure, high-bandwidth connectivity solutions for unmanned aerial and ground systems across commercial and defense markets. The company’s Halo platform delivers real-time, uninterrupted communication, leveraging bonded multi-network technology to ensure mission success in any environment.
For more information, visit www.elsight.com.
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Read more:
- Event 38 and Phoenix Air Unmanned Complete BVLOS Pipeline Inspection Demo
- Phoenix Air Unmanned Completes 320-Mile Pipeline Patrol in Single Day
- Elsight Launches HeatSight: Revolutionary Tool for Safer and Smarter UAV Flight Planning
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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