SkyX introduces drones for oil and gas industry

US-based SkyX has launched unmanned aerial vehicles to service the oil and gas industry.

SkyOne drones have been developed to inspect pipelines for both damage and mapping and security surveillance, and also come with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, as well as autonomous flight and recharging.

The drones can travel at 150km/hr for 70 minutes and can detect leaks, vandalism, vegetation and encroachment.

The oil and gas sector currently depends on road vehicles and helicopters to detect any damage or threat. However, both these methods are more expensive, and less efficient than drones.

SkyOne enables round-the-clock, unlimited data collection, which can be provided in real-time and offers more information for users.

Provided on a service-leasing model, SkyOne enables oil and gas companies to access custom data and information without being burdened by any possible maintenance.

The company can control either an individual UAV or an entire fleet, as well as monitor events through real-time video.

SkyX founder and CEO Didi Horn said: "We have built not only a fantastic, game-changing product for the oil and gas industry, but have also built a fantastic team of experts ready to get it out there.

"The market is, obviously, of huge global importance. We know that our technology can significantly cut costs and improve efficiency, helping the sector as a whole, along with each and every customer.

“Our unique solution, which combines both VTOL flight and autonomous remote charging, puts us well ahead of the competition. As a result, we are en route for significant expansion, offering an unprecedented opportunity for a strategic investment partner to help us conquer and secure significant market share in an ever-growing industry."

Equipped with proprietary technology, SkyOne drone does not need to return to home base to recharge but can fly to the nearest available xStation, where it canrecharge in a weather-shielded dome before proceeding to its mission.

Pipeline leaks are a major worldwide concern and statistics indicate the global market spends $37bn every year just in monitoring.

With one patent filed in North America and a few more underway and more than ten million kilometres of oil and gas pipelines worldwide, the market and growth potential is considered to be huge.

Meanwhile, the firm prepares to secure its Round A financing.