CyPhy Works Cleared by FAA for Tethered Drone System

CyPhy Works Inc. says it has received a Section 333 exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the operation of its Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC) vehicle system in the U.S.

According to the Boston-area robotics company, the exemption will accelerate the expansion of the system’s commercial operations in U.S. national airspace. CyPhy Works develops aerial robots and unmanned aerial vehicles for large industries such as public safety, agriculture, entertainment and construction.

The PARC system is designed to provide long-term persistent stare capabilities and enable reliable long-distance communications. PARC is powered from the ground through a microfilament tether, allowing 24/7 flight – a “near-earth satellite system,” according to CyPhy Works.

The tether also provides extreme endurance, secure command and control, and video transmission – precluding spoofing or hacking. PARC’s extended flying time enables companies to make information-driven decisions by using continuous, real-time access to data and analytics, the company explains.

“I’m very pleased that the FAA has entrusted CyPhy Works with a Section 333 exemption,” comments Helen Greiner, CEO and founder of CyPhy Works. “We’re excited to be part of this select group of early innovators that are building safe, secure and successful commercial drone operations.”

Last week, CyPhy Works closed a $22 million Series B investment round, led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Greiner said the funding would be used toward the commercialization of the PARC system.

“We’ve seen great interest from our customers in the potential of tethered drones for public-safety and commercial users,” says Eduardo Conrado, chief strategy and innovation officer at Motorola Solutions, which is an investor of CyPhy Works. “Law enforcement agencies in particular are eager to put ‘eyes in the sky’ and receive real-time information to help them both prevent crimes and solve them faster. We look forward to showing even more of them how CyPhy Works and Motorola Solutions are creating the future of mission-critical intelligence.”