Earth Observation by Autonomous Solar UAV

ended

XSUN develops an innovative autonomous solar drone dedicated to earth observation. Inspired from satellite earth observation, XSUN aims to offer affordable earth data acquisition performed by unmmaned autonomous vehicules to a range of end users which have all express their support to the SolarXOne project : Linear infrastructure observation (such as railway, pipeline or electrical grid), environmental & security surveillance issues (forest fire detection, traffic surveillance), Maritime observation (traffic surveillance, fishing surveillance), precision agriculture (monitoring of the health of crops and livestock). A first autonomous prototype is ready (TRL6). Thanks to a patented double-wing innovative design, the performances of SolarXOne are disruptive compared to existing solutions: large payload capacity (7kg) enabling to carry a wide range of data acquisition sensors, very stable flight enabling precise data acquisition, long flight (>600 km / Day), cheaper price for end user compared to competitors. A world record of autonomous solar flight will be tempted in the next months. SolarXOne project objectives are to industrialise the drone production with enhance performances. Adaptability to Hydrogen energy source will be added as well as vertical take-off capability. Market demonstration will be done during the project for linear infrastructure, fire detection, maritime surveillance and precision agriculture. Two operating centres will be opened in France and Germany. XSun is based on 2 complementary business models: earth data service commercialization operated from the control centres and complete system commercialization. Market analysis have been performed for each segment and the business plan shows promising revenue reaching 30 M€ in 2025. XSUN has been created in 2016, its team (12 people) is composed of experienced managers and business developers in the aerospace industry as well as young passionate engineers.