Aquiline Drones Revolutionizes Energy Sector with Innovative LineDrone
February 14, 2025 – Aquiline Drones (AD), a prominent drone technology company based in the U.S., has unveiled a strategic collaboration with Drone Volt to launch and enhance the functionality of the LineDrone across the United States.
The LineDrone, described as an engineering marvel, is a specialized unmanned aerial system created in partnership with Hydro-Québec—the largest energy producer in Canada. This cutting-edge technology aims to transform how high-voltage power lines are inspected and maintained, providing advanced non-contact measurement solutions.
Innovation in Power Line Inspection
Hydro-Québec is not only recognized for its extensive generation of hydroelectric power but also for its significant research and development contributions, especially in robotics for infrastructure inspection. Much of this research is managed through their Institute de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (IREQ), established in 1967.
Utilizing artificial intelligence, the drones will be managed and data analyzed through innovative technology, allowing Aquiline Drones to roll out LineDrone inspection services nationwide.
The LineDrone stands out as the only drone in the world capable of landing on operational high-voltage lines (315,000 volts / 2,000 A) to perform inspections. It employs a specialized motorized system, the LineOhm and LineCore probes, to assess and report on the status of overhead conductors without the need to de-energize the lines. Significantly, it can conduct critical diagnostics on functioning transmission lines using advanced sensors for high-precision inspections, such as resistance checks, corrosion evaluations, and splice assessments—all without power outages.
This breakthrough technology notably lowers operational hazards while improving grid reliability and efficiency. By minimizing reliance on expensive helicopters and high-risk manual inspections, the LineDrone presents a safer, more cost-effective, and eco-friendly solution for the energy sector. As the demand for effective grid management solutions grows, this collaboration aims to reshape the monitoring and maintenance of essential utility infrastructure.
Training the Next Generation of Drone Professionals
Aquiline Drones plans to utilize its robust knowledge in autonomous drone operations and regulatory compliance to facilitate the deployment of LineDrone technology for utility firms and infrastructure service providers across the U.S.
Barry Alexander, Founder and CEO of Aquiline Drones, stated, “Our partnership with Drone Volt perfectly aligns with our goal of delivering innovative drone solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability. By integrating advanced AI and cloud technology into the LineDrone setup, we seek to establish a new benchmark for high-voltage power line inspections.”
Similar to AD’s Flight to the Future (F2F) online drone training program, the LineDrone initiative aims to train a workforce of professional drone service providers, enabling them to engage as certified LineDrone DSPs. There are over 600,000 miles of transmission lines in the U.S. that facilitate the delivery of electricity from power plants to urban areas.
More information about the F2F initiative can be found here.
Aquiline Drones intends to broaden the reach of LineDrone services, thereby creating high-tech job opportunities for LDSPs. The agreement includes:
- Expansion of LineDrone service distribution throughout the U.S.
- Specialized drone pilot training for energy sector professionals adopting this technology.
- Access to competitive commercial liability insurance and warranty options aimed at individuals and entities trained through the program.
- Opportunities for LDSPs through extended Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with industry stakeholders.
Transmission lines generally require stringent routine maintenance, involving inspection processes that can be less safe and cumbersome compared to those achievable with an AI drone solution. Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) can now utilize the LineDrone system to avoid shutdowns of lines, realizing significant savings in manpower and equipment, traditionally reliant on helicopters and line workers.
Marc Courcelle, CEO of DroneVolt SA, remarked, “This agreement strengthens our ongoing partnership with Aquiline Drones, enabling AD to incorporate specific drones as part of a proven next-generation power grid infrastructure inspection system.” Aquiline Drones offers a comprehensive ecosystem including AI-controlled drones, inspection data analysis, FAA pilot training, liability insurance, and lifetime support for each client—uniquely positioning them in the U.S. drone market.
About Aquiline Drones
Aquiline Drones Corporation (AD) is an American drone technology firm dedicated to drone manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and superior pilot training. The company is self-insured through the Aquiline Drones Indemnity Corporation (ADIC) and has a management team composed of seasoned aviators, systems engineers, IT specialists, military professionals, and savvy business strategists. Aquiline Drones provides a vertically integrated environment of products and services applicable across diverse industries, facilitating real-time data processing and insights. For more details, visit www.AquilineDrones.com.
Source: Press Release
