Skytec and Harris Aerial Partner on Innovative Drone Technology for Longer, More Efficient Flights

Skytec leaders and co-founders Bill Rogers and Andy Carroll have a history of driving innovative solutions to meet and exceed client needs. Through a partnership with Harris Aerial, they were able to deliver cutting-edge LiDAR and imaging technology with greater efficiency than ever before.

A Breakthrough in UAS Technology

In 2017, Carroll and Rogers sought out Harris Aerial, then a two-person led UAS manufacturer, based outside of Orlando, Florida. Ben Harris, Founder and President of Harris Aerial, was developing with his business partner what would become the Harris H6 Hybrid, a heavy lift hybrid gas-electric drone capable of increased payloads tailored to meet the geospatial mapping needs of Skytec. Skytec, too, was in its early stages as Carroll and Rogers combined their mapping and GIS expertise and drive for efficiency, innovation, and disruptive technology.

“Since our founding, Skytec has focused on innovating within the UAS industry, and we demonstrated that through our partnership with Harris Aerial,” Carroll says. “Ben Harris and his team, and their American-made, heavy lift UAVs, were willing to take the investment and risk of carrying valuable sensors for this type of imaging.”

In 2018, Skytec received one of Harris Aerial’s first H6 hybrid UAVs that marked a new era for the company in geospatial mapping. Skytec took on a challenging job in Michigan in what would have traditionally required manned aircraft and extensive groundwork. Using the Harris H6 hybrid system, the Skytec team greatly reduced the time required to scan challenging terrain.

With Harris Aerial’s advancements in technology, Skytec could pilot the H6 in challenging weather with multiple payloads and fly for much longer periods of time, paving the way for greater capabilities in acquisition. The expanded capabilities with an H6 have enabled Skytec to take on increasingly complex client work with advanced sensors.

Partnering to Improve a Platform

Skytec shared invaluable feedback with Harris Aerial as they pushed the H6 to meet client needs—and with the support of the Harris Aerial team, the H6 adapted to every new and unique situation for imaging.

“The gas-electric hybrid drone allows for a longer flight time than a battery-powered drone,” Harris says. “Skytec purchased an early prototype of the H6 and we started a mutually beneficial relationship that enabled us to make design changes to improve our product. In turn, they were able to complete what would otherwise be impossible survey jobs.”

Harris Aerial brings distinct advantages to clients—with American-made UAVs, the company is compliant with specific government UAS regulations. Their long endurance, heavy lift drones are reliable and efficient, as evidenced in the H6 and the recently unveiled Hx8 and hydrogen fuel cell adaptability. Similarly, the Harris team can custom manufacture attachments for specific payloads in house.

Growing Skytec’s Capabilities in Geospatial Mapping

Heavy payloads from multiple sensors put a huge demand on drones. For companies like Skytec conducting geospatial mapping with high demands and valuable sensors, reliability is key. Harris says his company is constantly refining its manufacturing process to meet these demands.

“Clients depend on us to grow their business,” Harris says. “I appreciate the partnership we shared with Skytec early on. We came together with a common goal—of a drone that could fly longer distances with a higher payload—and we have worked together to both find success. The drone we developed together is our best-selling platform.”

As Carroll says, the partnership with Harris Aerial has positioned Skytec to deliver advanced acquisition services to clients.

“We’re focused on innovating in the UAS industry, and Harris Aerial helped us breakthrough to a new system for remote monitoring. Their company is at the forefront of UAS and they continue to build robust, reliable platforms,” Carroll says. “Our drive for innovation is the highlight of Skytec’s company culture and mission, and it’s what distinguishes us among competitors. We’re lean and positioned to build relationships with companies like Harris Aerial to deliver the best results for clients.”

Contact Skytec today to learn more about customized services for acquisition and analysis.