The technology behind autonomous drone networks

Drone technology only delivers real-world value when every part of the system works together. Here's how we think about VTOL, BVLOS, Fixed wings and more…

The Avy way

Frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between VTOL and fixed-wing drones?

Most drones are one or the other. VTOL drones like quadcopters take off vertically but are inefficient over distance. Fixed-wing drones are efficient but need a runway. The Avy Aera combines both: it takes off and lands vertically, then transitions to fixed-wing flight for the journey. You get the deployment flexibility of a quadcopter with the range and efficiency of a plane.

How far can a BVLOS drone fly?

The Avy Aera flies up to 100km on a single charge at a cruise speed of 100km/h. With box-to-box docking, landing at a remote dock rather than returning to base, effective range can be doubled or extended further across a network of docking stations.

Do drone networks need pilots on site?

No. Avy's docking stations handle launch, landing and recharging automatically. Pilots operate remotely from a central operations centre, monitoring live footage and managing flight paths from kilometres away. No one needs to be present at the launch location.

What is a drone docking station?

A docking station is a permanent base for the drone. It handles automatic launch, landing and recharging without any human intervention on site. It's what makes a drone network truly autonomous. Rather than being deployed manually for each mission, the drone is always ready, charged and waiting for its next task.

How is a drone network different from a single drone?

A single drone covers one area at a time and needs to return to base to recharge. A drone network connects multiple aircraft and docking stations through shared software and a central operations centre. Each dock acts as a node, enabling coverage across vast areas simultaneously, making city-scale or port-scale operations possible.

Can Avy drones fly in bad weather

Yes. Aera is built for operational conditions. It handles rain, winds of 25+ knots, extreme cold and heat. It's designed to be deployable when it matters most, not just in ideal conditions.

What is the difference between VTOL and fixed-wing drones?

Most drones are one or the other. VTOL drones like quadcopters take off vertically but are inefficient over distance. Fixed-wing drones are efficient but need a runway. The Avy Aera combines both: it takes off and lands vertically, then transitions to fixed-wing flight for the journey. You get the deployment flexibility of a quadcopter with the range and efficiency of a plane.

How far can a BVLOS drone fly?

The Avy Aera flies up to 100km on a single charge at a cruise speed of 100km/h. With box-to-box docking, landing at a remote dock rather than returning to base, effective range can be doubled or extended further across a network of docking stations.

Do drone networks need pilots on site?

No. Avy's docking stations handle launch, landing and recharging automatically. Pilots operate remotely from a central operations centre, monitoring live footage and managing flight paths from kilometres away. No one needs to be present at the launch location.

What is a drone docking station?

A docking station is a permanent base for the drone. It handles automatic launch, landing and recharging without any human intervention on site. It's what makes a drone network truly autonomous. Rather than being deployed manually for each mission, the drone is always ready, charged and waiting for its next task.

How is a drone network different from a single drone?

A single drone covers one area at a time and needs to return to base to recharge. A drone network connects multiple aircraft and docking stations through shared software and a central operations centre. Each dock acts as a node, enabling coverage across vast areas simultaneously, making city-scale or port-scale operations possible.

Can Avy drones fly in bad weather

Yes. Aera is built for operational conditions. It handles rain, winds of 25+ knots, extreme cold and heat. It's designed to be deployable when it matters most, not just in ideal conditions.