Elsight’s Halo shines on take off in the Land of the Rising Sun

Elsight’s Halo (ASX:ELS) has been selected by ACSL, Japan’s largest drone manufacturer, as the Beyond Vision Line Of Sight (BVLOS) Communications platform for its drones.

Elsight announced today that ACSL had chosen Halo, in conjunction with new Japanese regional partner, Navicom Aviation, to strengthen the communication of its drones and for its ability to overcome obstacles presented flying over Japan’s mountainous terrain.

Elsight said ACSL’s recognition of these qualities in its systems were regarded as key to opening up new markets for ACSL’s autonomous drones.

Elsight sees the development as scaling new heights with a design approval which could open up new air-routes in the APAC region for its AI-based connectivity platform, which has been specifically designed for BVLOS operations.

The system is capable of integrating LTE, 5G and satellite communications during operations.

Drones are commonly used in many sectors of Japan, notably logistics and defence, but the  stability of cellular communication connections, critical  for long-distance BVLOS  flights, have proven to be a challenge over hilly terrain and remote islands.

Elsight had earlier put a feather in its cap when Halo was deployed onboard the world’s first full FAA Type Certificate for BVLOS Data Collection flights. ACSL was the first drone manufacturer to be approved as a full member of the Japan Defence Equipment Industries Association (JADI).

ACSL CEO, Satoshi Washiya, said: “ACSL has been promoting the expansion of drone use in Japan in various fields. We are very pleased to collaborate with Elsight and its innovative technology to ensure the stability of the communication environment, which is one of the most important issues in the logistics field.”

“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.”

Koji Hiratsuka, President of Navicom Aviation added: “The main challenge for drone large market adoption has been the hilly terrain in Japan. Our partnership with Elsight has been an excellent technology and business fit with our region’s requirements. Seeing the success with ACSL is the sign of market acceptance of logistic applications from deliveries to first responders.”

“This is Elsight’s first deal through a strong channel partner in Asia, proving the demand for robust connectivity in the region and the autonomous eco-system’s acceptance of this critical component as an industry driver,” said Yoav Amitai, CEO of Elsight.

Elsight was trading at 37 cents, up 1/4%, intraday.