Lighthouse Avionics has been awarded a key AFWERX contract to expand development of its artificial intelligence–powered Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) sensing technology. This innovation aims to improve drone safety and autonomy by enabling UAVs to detect, classify, and respond to potential obstacles beyond the operator’s immediate line of sight.
The system integrates advanced AI algorithms with real-time situational awareness, enhancing the ability of drones to navigate complex and contested environments. Such capabilities are vital in defense scenarios, where adversarial conditions and electronic warfare can compromise communications and operational safety. By using AI to provide enhanced perception and autonomy, Lighthouse Avionics is positioning itself as a leader in the next wave of unmanned aerial technology.
The AFWERX contract provides Lighthouse with the resources to accelerate testing, validation, and scaling of this BVLOS sensing system. For the defense sector, this will mean stronger mission resilience and improved adaptability in critical operations. For commercial stakeholders, the technology has the potential to expand UAV use in logistics, infrastructure inspections, and emergency response, where range and autonomous decision-making are crucial.
This project illustrates how collaboration between innovative startups and government initiatives can fast-track disruptive technologies into the field. AI-driven BVLOS sensing will not only strengthen operational safety but also enable a new class of autonomous drone missions. By combining advanced autonomy with robust sensing systems, Lighthouse Avionics is pushing the limits of what UAVs can achieve and contributing to the evolution of safer, smarter skies.
