Brazil authorises Xmobots for BVLOS operations at night

An uncrewed aerial system operated by Xmobots is the first in Brazil to obtain regulatory agency approval for operations up to 60 km away at night.

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) issued the night flight authorisation certificate for the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations of the Nauru 500C ISR drone. The authorisation covers flights above 400 feet ground level. 

As an immediate consequence of the certification, Xmobots’ clients in the defence and public and private security sector will be able to carry out missions at night, including detecting illegal activity and monitoring assets. With regard to the company’s agribusiness services, the certification will allow monitoring of forest fires in real time. 

To achieve certification, ANAC required adequate performance of the lighting, navigation and the anti-collision system in different flight situations, including emergencies or safety measures in possible cases of failure.

The Nauru 500C ISR achieved design authorisation for daytime flights above 400ft and BVLOS up to 60 km in 2022. “We made a modification to the design already authorised by ANAC, which generated an update in the Design Authorisation Data Sheet, allowing night flights with the addition of the navigation light system. Now, for each serial number that undergoes the modification, a new Remotely Piloted Aircraft Special Airworthiness Certificate will be issued, which represents compliance with the new authorised design configuration,” explained Xmobots Product Certification Specialist, Décio Gomes Palhas Jr.