American Robotics Receives FAA Approval for Advanced Drone Operations
Boston, Friday, 3 January 2025.
Ondas’ American Robotics secures an FAA BVLOS waiver, enabling drone flights over people and vehicles, marking a significant industry milestone.
Regulatory Breakthrough for Drone Operations
Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) [2] subsidiary American Robotics has achieved a significant milestone with its latest FAA approval announced on January 3, 2025 [1]. The new Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver enables the company to conduct drone operations over people and moving vehicles from a centralized remote operations center [1]. This development is particularly noteworthy as it involves the Optimus System, which stands as the only FAA Type Certified uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) specifically developed for security and inspection purposes [1].
Strategic Impact and Market Position
The approval comes at a crucial time for Ondas Holdings, which currently holds a market capitalization of US$218.75 million [2]. Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that ‘Securing this FAA BVLOS waiver is a testament to the strength of our technology and the trust we continue to build with regulators’ [1]. The company’s strategic position is further strengthened by its recent financial performance, with a revenue (TTM) of US$8.02 million [2].
Future Operations and Industry Impact
American Robotics is preparing for immediate implementation of these expanded capabilities, with a scheduled Drone as First Responder (DFR) event on January 16, 2025, at their Baltimore Headquarters [1]. The company is also actively preparing for the FAA’s forthcoming Part 108 framework, which will enable one Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) to oversee multiple UAS operations [1]. This development represents a significant step forward for the drone industry, particularly as the company integrates its Kestrel airspace management and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution into its operational capabilities [1].