Swiss producer Xer Applied sciences offered its Xer X8 hybrid-electric unmanned plane system at Intergeo 2025 in Frankfurt, demonstrating the platform’s superior capabilities for large-scale infrastructure monitoring operations. The Xer X8 addresses crucial operational limitations of battery-powered drones by way of revolutionary hybrid propulsion know-how.
Xer X8 Technical Specs and Efficiency
The Xer X8, (out there in an NDAA-compliant configuration) delivers distinctive flight endurance of two.5 hours whereas carrying a 3-kilogram payload, with most payload capability reaching 7 kilograms for specialised missions. This prolonged operational time stems from the drone’s custom-built hybrid-electric propulsion system, which makes use of a two-stroke engine for steady energy technology all through flight operations.
The Xer X8 maintains operational capabilities in difficult environmental situations, together with winds as much as 35 knots and temperature ranges from minus 20 to plus 45 levels Celsius. The platform’s full carbon-fiber development incorporates foldable quick-release arms that allow fast deployment inside two minutes of arrival at mission websites.
Infrastructure Inspection Capabilities
Designed for Past Visible Line of Sight operations, the Xer X8 helps complete infrastructure monitoring throughout a number of sectors together with energy strains, pipelines, and large-scale amenities. The platform accommodates numerous sensor configurations together with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR programs, infrared sensors, and corona detection gear.
Operational information reveals the Xer X8 can seize high-resolution imagery of 30 to 75 electrical energy transmission towers throughout a single flight mission, considerably enhancing inspection effectivity in comparison with battery-powered alternate options. Current partnerships with Part One and YellowScan have validated the Xer X8’s compatibility with professional-grade imaging and scanning payloads.
Security Programs and Reliability
The Xer X8 incorporates a number of security options together with redundant coaxial electrical motors, built-in collision avoidance capabilities, and autonomous parachute deployment programs. Emergency battery backup ensures crucial system performance throughout surprising conditions, whereas the hybrid propulsion system offers operational redundancy not out there in battery-only platforms.
Upkeep necessities for the Xer X8 embrace 100-hour intervals for routine servicing and 200-hour engine service necessities, establishing predictable operational price buildings for industrial operators. The modular design allows fast sensor reconfiguration between missions whereas sustaining constant flight efficiency.
Industrial Adoption and Purposes
Trade adoption of the Xer X8 has expanded throughout utility firms and inspection service suppliers in Europe and North America. Major operational deployments concentrate on energy line inspection, pipeline monitoring, and large-scale facility assessments the place prolonged flight time and heavy payload capability present operational benefits.
The Xer X8’s prolonged endurance capabilities allow protection of infrastructure networks that historically require a number of battery-powered drone missions or pricey helicopter-based inspection strategies. This operational effectivity has positioned the platform as a viable various for large-scale infrastructure monitoring applications.
Extra data on the Xer X8, together with pricing, is accessible from Xer’s web site.
About Xer Applied sciences
Xer Applied sciences AG (Switzerland) is devoted to develop, produce and market customisable, heavy-duty Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) options that allows our clients to generate actionable information insights and creates a safer, environment friendly and sustainable world.
The corporate is headquartered in Dietikon (Zurich), Switzerland and likewise has an workplace in Singapore.
INTERGEO
With drones taking part in a rising function in all the pieces from local weather resilience to infrastructure administration, INTERGEO 2025 demonstrates how unmanned programs are not peripheral—they’re central to geospatial work. For attendees, the present provides a chance to see the newest platforms, join with international innovators, and listen to immediately from specialists shaping the way forward for drone operations.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone know-how and way of life content material at Dronelife. He’s primarily based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys climbing and Boston space sports activities.
