Aeroscout launches UAV helicopter for high-altitude flight

The new Scout B-330 UAV in front of the Swiss Alps.

Swiss-based Aeroscout, a long-term partner of lidar manufacturer Riegl, has unveiled the Scout B-330 UAV helicopter.

The Scout B-330 is built with a payload capacity of up to 50 kg. (110 lbs), flight endurance of at least three hours, and the capability of flying at high altitudes (up to 3,000 meters above sea level) in a typical mission scenario. This includes a full autonomous take-off sequence, a mission flight at variable speed and a landing sequence.

The Scout B-330 is specifically designed for lidar-based powerline mapping missions. According to Aeroscout, it sets a benchmark in the long-endurance UAV class with its combination of flexibility, Swiss quality and competitive pricing.

“After one year of intense development, we are very excited to introduce our new Scout UAV system to the public,” said Christoph Eck, Aeroscout founder and CEO. “The reactions here at AUVSI are extremely positive and encouraging, we are very motivated for the serial production out of the system.”

The Scout B-330 pairs with Riegl airborne and unmanned lidar sensors such as the Riegl VP-1 Helicopter Pod, the Riegl VUX-1UAV lightweight UAV laser scanner and the Riegl VUX-1LR lightweight, long-range airborne laser scanner.

The B-330 was introduced at the AUVSI Xponential show held in Dallas in May. Those who missed that show can see it at the Commercial UAV Show in Las Vegas this October.