SwissDrones is a Swiss-based developer and operator of long-range unmanned helicopter systems (VTOL), established in 2013 (per official company sources). Headquartered in Zurich with manufacturing in Buchs, St. Gallen, it specializes in heavy drone platforms designed to replace manned helicopters for critical missions—offering safer, greener, and more cost-effective aerial intelligence.
SwissDrones has been recognized as a Top 50 Global UAV Enterprise by the World UAV Federation and a Top 40 Civil Drone Platform Manufacturer by Drone Industry Insights.
Key Advantages: Safety, Sustainability, Cost Efficiency
- Safety-first design: Capable of operating in adverse weather, at night, or in hazardous zones, without risking onboard crew.
- Environmental impact: Their SDO 50 model slashes CO₂ emissions by up to 95% compared to manned helicopters.
- Economic gains: Dramatically lower operating costs, no pilot risk, and reduced training needs.
Core Products & Technology
SDO 50 Series – a twin-rotor autonomous VTOL helicopter:
- Payload capacity up to 40 kg
- Endurance extending multiple hours and long-range BVLOS missions
- Fully autonomous flight: Pre-programmed takeoff, navigation, and landing with redundant safety systems
- Day/night operation with high-end sensor integration
Use Cases & Deployments
- Infrastructure Inspection: Long-span powerlines, pipelines—e.g., successful 100+ km BVLOS powerline inspections in Belgium. Completed a world-first 550 km pipeline survey in Australia, reducing operating costs by 70%, CO₂ by 95%, and eliminating crew risk.
- Surveillance & Public Safety: Used by DLR (German Aerospace Centre), CLS Group (for maritime security), FOCP (radioactive particle detection), and the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Protection.
- Search & Rescue: Return kits and sensors to locate people in dangerous or remote environments, even at night.
- Energy Sector: Recently secured hardware contract with Southern Company in the U.S. to enhance grid inspection capabilities.
Funding & Ownership
- Series B (€≈$10 M) closed April 2024 with investors like DiamondStream Partners, Chevron Technology Ventures, Ingleside Investors, and others.
- Earlier seven-figure round led by DiamondStream Partners in January 2023.
Certifications & Recognition
- EASA Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC): Enables self-authorised BVLOS drone operations across EASA countries.
- FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate: For U.S. operations.
Leadership
- Daniel Graf, Founder & CEO.
- Ulrich Amberg, CEO referenced in fundraising announcements.
- Leadership includes seasoned staff across aviation, sales, and engineering functions.
Market & Competitive Positioning
Operating globally—Asia, Europe, North America, SwissDrones competes with major UAV suppliers like DJI, ideaForge, Skydio, and specializes in heavy-lift, BVLOS systems.
Future Outlook
- Scaling globally: U.S. energy deals (Southern Company) and APAC expansion.
- Tech enhancement: Autonomous flight capabilities and advanced sensor packages will support data-driven aerial intelligence.
- Sustainability gains: Their low-carbon, crew-free model aligns with global energy transition and environmental goals.
Summary
SwissDrones is a frontrunner in the heavy-lift drone market, providing fully autonomous VTOL systems capable of replacing manned helicopters for inspection, surveillance, and SAR missions. Backed by certifications, deep-pocketed investors, and real-world deployments, the company is well-positioned to scale its aerial intelligence platform—helping clients reduce cost, carbon, and safety risks while gathering actionable data across critical infrastructure sectors.
References: sUAS News Tracxn LinkedIn
