High Lander and Thirdeye Systems Partner to Develop Ground-Based DAA Services for Scalable BVLOS Operations
High Lander and Thirdeye Systems have signed an MOU to jointly develop ground-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) services. Their first field trial deployed a multi-aircraft ground sensing system, using combined drone and helicopter testing to evaluate whether autonomous optical detection can replace human observers and integrate into a centralized, multi-operator airspace management ecosystem—moving BVLOS operations from case-by-case approvals toward scalable routine use.
Highlights
- High Lander and Thirdeye Systems signed an MOU to jointly develop ground-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) services targeting scalable BVLOS operations.
- The first field trial tested Thirdeye's autonomous optical detection system against human ground observers using drones (Dronery) and a helicopter (Brook Aviation) under varied and challenging conditions.
- The trial simulated controlled conflict approach scenarios between the helicopter and drones to verify timely detection of developing airspace conflicts.
- High Lander CEO Alon Abelson stated the partnership aims to bridge airspace traffic management with advanced optical detection to deliver the transparency and safety standards required for the next era of aviation.
- Ground-based DAA sensors allow multiple operators to share a single surveillance layer along common routes, reducing infrastructure costs compared to per-aircraft hardware installations.
High Lander and Thirdeye Systems Partner to Advance BVLOS Operations into the Mainstream
High Lander and Thirdeye Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formally launch a joint development program for ground-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) services. The companies have already initiated their first field trial, deploying ground-based DAA capabilities that support multiple aircraft types—with the goal of demonstrating how Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight can transition from a case-by-case approval model to a scalable, routine operational framework.
First Field Trial: Evaluating Autonomous Optical Detection Capability
In a press release, High Lander stated: "The purpose of this trial is to assess Thirdeye's autonomous optical system as a supplement—and potential replacement—for human ground observers, and to clarify its role within a broader operational ecosystem."
During the trial, drones operated by Dronery and a helicopter flown by Brook Aviation conducted a series of independent flyover tests to measure the system's detection capabilities and benchmark them against human ground observer performance. The tests covered a range of challenging conditions, including:
- Aircraft flying above and below the horizon
- Target identification against open sky and terrain backgrounds
- Approach scenarios from the direction of the sun
- Operations under varying lighting conditions
The test team also simulated controlled conflict approach scenarios between the helicopter and drones to verify whether the system could flag developing airspace conflicts in a timely manner.
Strategic Goal: Building a Centralized Multi-Operator Airspace Management Architecture
High Lander noted that the long-term value of this program lies not only in standalone target detection, but in validating how real-time optical tracking data can be ingested, processed, and integrated into a centralized, multi-operator airspace traffic management environment. High Lander plays a key bridging role in this architecture, connecting the physical sensing layer with the digital airspace management ecosystem.
"BVLOS operations are the future of aviation, unlocking new possibilities for commercial, public safety, security, and defense applications," said Alon Abelson, CEO and Co-Founder of High Lander. "Achieving this vision requires not just tracking capability, but comprehensive airspace transparency. By bridging airspace traffic management with advanced optical detection technology, we are providing the industry with the transparency and safety standards that the next era of aviation will depend on."
The Scalability Advantage of Ground-Based Sensors
Compared to installing hardware on individual aircraft, ground-based DAA sensors offer a more scalable alternative. By deploying autonomous sensors along routine routes, strategic corridors, and high-density operating zones, multiple operators can share a single, common surveillance layer—significantly reducing infrastructure costs and improving overall efficiency.
High Lander and Thirdeye Systems stated that they will continue evaluating the system under additional conditions and use cases to advance the commercialization of BVLOS flight technology.
For more information, visit: https://www.highlander.io/
Image credit: High Lander
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