Elsight's Halo platform has been selected to provide communication connectivity for drones operated by Japan’s largest drone maker and logistics company, ACSL. This collaboration aims to enhance long-range beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.
The Halo platform, recognized for its leading connectivity, will improve LTE communications in mountainous regions and remote islands. This represents a significant market entry for Elsight in Japan's logistics sector.
ACSL, Japan's leading drone maker, became the first drone manufacturer approved as a full member of the Japan Defense Equipment Industry Association in April 2024. The Halo modules were supplied to ACSL by Elsight’s Japanese partner, Navicom Aviation Co Ltd, a Tokyo-based company specializing in mapping systems for aviation.
Elsight CEO Yoav Amitai expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with ACSL and Navicom Aviation. “This opens another promising market for drones and other autonomous systems to gain beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities with our Halo solution,” said Mr. Amitai.
With Halo, ACSL will improve LTE communication connectivity and enable flights in challenging areas by making LTE communications from multiple telecommunications companies redundant. Halo integrates LTE, 5G, and satellite communications and is being adopted in drone products across Europe, the United States, Australia, and other regions.
Elsight's breakthrough in Japan follows a recent strategic collaboration with Lockheed Martin to integrate the Halo system into Lockheed Martin’s Indago 4 Uncrewed Aerial System. These decisions by Lockheed Martin and ACSL could significantly boost Elsight’s sales of the Halo system.
In September, Halo-equipped drones achieved the first full United States Federal Aviation Administration Type Certificate for BVLOS data collection flights, allowing operations over US cities without case-by-case waivers.
“Our Halo is suitable for all applications in various vertical markets and integrates seamlessly with most unmanned aerial vehicle models used commercially,” Mr. Amitai stated. “The significant improvements and cost savings are the true drivers of this industry while the Elsight Halo is the enabler, by making non-line of sight missions possible.”
ACSL CEO Satoshi Washitani highlighted the company's efforts to expand drone use in Japan, achieving the first type certificate and Level 4 flight approval for unassisted BVLOS flight in populated areas. “We are very pleased to collaborate with a partner with innovative technology to ensure the stability of the communication environment, which is one of the most important issues in the logistics field,” he said.
“Elsight’s products have a track record of being adopted in logistics drones in various countries, and we believe that by improving the quality of our logistics drones, we can expand the areas where drones can be used and contribute to promoting the social implementation of drones in the logistics field in Japan.”
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