Integrated Aerial Systems

Another day, another Remote Drone Operation. This @djiglobal Dock flight was conducted at Lourensford - around 50km away from our control room in Cape Town - for @eucxylo at Stellenbosch University, a research programme focused on understanding eucalyptus growth, wood formation and forest dynamics through advanced field trials and modelling. IAS supports the project as a technical partner, assisting with compliant remote operations, aerial data collection and processing. This particular flight was flown at around 3cm GSD for broader site monitoring, while some of our lower altitude flights go down to approximately 0.6cm GSD for highly detailed analysis. In the video, the top left screen shows the survey flight path overlaid on a satellite map. The bottom left shows the drone’s FPV camera feed - independent from the survey camera - with both a forward-facing in-flight view and downward-facing landing view. The right side of the screen shows the live feed from the survey-grade payload capturing the dataset. Dock operations may seem simple in theory, but compliant remote operations in South Africa involve a substantial amount of work behind the scenes - from ROIP (Radio over IP systems that allow us to remotely transmit and receive airband communications) to AvSec requirements, redundancy, backup systems and site-specific requirements based on the SACAA approvals granted. At the end of the flight, the captured imagery is automatically uploaded to our Geospatial team, who process the dataset into various outputs for use by the research team. This is just one example of how repeatable remote operations can fit into longer-term research work. #remotedroneoperations #dronesurvey #forestryresearch #geospatialdata #uasoperations

Not the conditions we typically expect in the Karoo! A unique view from one of the wind farms we’re scheduled to inspect in the Northern Cape - snow across the site and visibility so poor that we can’t even see the turbines. Blade inspections on this site are temporarily on hold while our pilot waits for the weather to clear (and keeps warm in the meantime!).

A look at what we’re picking up during C&I rooftop solar thermographic inspections. We’ve been conducting solar thermographic inspections since 2019, initially focused more on utility-scale plants. With the rapid growth of rooftop and C&I solar across South Africa, we’re now seeing increasing demand from asset owners, EPCs, installers and O&M teams who need a clearer view of system performance and asset health. The objective is not just to collect imagery - it’s to identify defects early, support maintenance planning, assist with warranty investigations, and help confirm systems are operating safely and efficiently. Our methodology is to capture thermal and visual drone data across the installation under controlled flight conditions. Flights are planned to achieve a thermal GSD of <3 cm, while ensuring solar irradiance is above 600 W/m² so the data is suitable for analysis and collected in line with IEC TS 62446-3. We then work with partners like Sitemark to analyse and manage the data, helping turn inspections into practical maintenance insights rather than folders of raw imagery. Examples shown here include: - String open circuit - where a string stops converting solar irradiance into electrical power - Module open circuit - where an individual module is disconnected and no longer producing power - Soiling-related hotspots - localised heating associated with dirt, dust or other deposits on the module surface These inspections are increasingly being used for post-commissioning checks, routine inspections, targeted maintenance and post-event assessments after hail or severe weather. *Images shown are examples of anomalies identified during inspections conducted by IAS. Site details intentionally not disclosed.

A look at what we’re actually picking up during wind turbine inspections. Our process is fairly straightforward in principle, but highly controlled in execution - using close-range drone inspections to capture high-resolution imagery across all blade surfaces, flying within a few metres of the structure. This allows for consistent, repeatable datasets that can be analysed at scale. We then work closely with our analytics partner, Zeitview, to analyse and manage the data - building up a clear view of anomalies along the blade for maintenance planning and tracking over time. A few examples from a recent site we inspected: - Lightning damage: localised damage along the blade surface associated with a lightning strike. These areas need to be checked to confirm whether the underlying laminate has been compromised or if repairs are limited to the surface. - Leading edge coating erosion: gradual wear of the protective coating along the leading edge. Common, but worth addressing early before progression accelerates. - Missing rain/blade collar: a less frequent but important finding. These components help manage water ingress and protect the blade root interface. Individually, these may seem minor - but at scale across a fleet, they’re exactly the types of issues that drive maintenance decisions and long-term performance. *Images shown are examples of identified anomalies. Site details intentionally not disclosed.

Nice change of pace from the routine blade inspections on a recent wind farm inspection. This was a quick FPV clip captured by one of our pilots - Aiden Kerr - after the work was done - the large inspection drone packed away and all turbines on site completed. The core work remains close-range blade inspections, looking for leading edge erosion, cracks, lightning damage and other defects - but every now and then it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the scale from a different perspective. Steady progress continues across 700+ turbines scheduled for inspection in the first half of the year. #renewableenergy #droneinspection #windturbineinspection

Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm in the Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s key wind-energy sites, contributing meaningful capacity to the grid. We are currently on site, progressing through a blade inspection programme across all 60 turbines. This video shows one of our drones conducting a close-range inspection on a semi-autonomous flight path, operated by one of our close-inspection pilots. We deployed our standard setup: DJI M300 RTK with a 50 mm lens on the Zenmuse P1, operating at roughly 7 metres with radar-assisted obstacle avoidance. Automated flight paths ensure full blade coverage and consistent, high-resolution imagery. The data is processed through Zeitview’s platform, where defects such as erosion, cracks, delamination and lightning-strike damage are flagged and classified. Outputs are delivered to the asset management team to support targeted maintenance. IAS has approximately 800 turbines scheduled for inspection across South Africa in the first half of the year, with multiple teams deployed nationally. Regular inspections like these extend blade lifespan, reduce downtime and help ensure a more stable electricity supply for South Africa. #windenergy #bladeinspection #droneinspection #aerialdata #infrastructureinspection

Live remote drone operations from Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town! From the conference floor at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, one of our pilots is operating a DJI Dock 3 deployed at a client’s solar PV facility in the Northern Cape. In this video, the aircraft is using the zoom camera to inspect one of the site’s power lines. The dock at this site is primarily used for scheduled thermographic inspections of the solar PV plant. By flying repeatable missions, we are able to identify abnormal temperature differentials that may indicate developing faults before they affect performance. Between these inspections, the same system can also be used to check power lines, substations and other structures across the facility using both high resolution RGB imagery and thermal imagery. Remote drone operations require strict compliance with SACAA regulations. The dock operates within an access controlled area, supported by PTZ cameras for continuous visual oversight, live weather readings from the dock, and full in flight telemetry. Our Radio over IP system enables the legally required airband radio broadcasts to be transmitted from our control room in Cape Town. #DroneOperations #DJIDock #SolarPV #Thermography #EnergyInfrastructure

We’re live at Africa Energy Indaba! 📍 Cape Town International Convention Centre | 3-5 March Integrated Aerial Systems is exhibiting this week engaging with asset owners, EPCs and operators across the energy sector. We support energy projects with practical, field-proven drone solutions that assist teams to identify issues early, maintain visibility across assets, and make informed operational decisions. If you’re attending, come speak to us about: • Solar PV thermographic inspections and construction monitoring - utility and C&I • Wind turbine blade inspections • Transmission and distribution asset inspections and corridor mapping - including asset protection support • LiDAR and photogrammetry surveys for energy and infrastructure projects We’re scheduling short meetings throughout the event. If you’d like to connect, send a DM and we’ll align diaries. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eDt_qA9y #AfricaEnergyIndaba #AEI2026 #RenewableEnergy #SolarPV #WindEnergy

We’re exhibiting at Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town, ZA 📍 CTICC | 3–5 March Integrated Aerial Systems (IAS) supports the energy sector with practical, field-proven drone solutions that help teams spot issues early, document progress clearly, and make decisions faster. If you’re responsible for operating assets or delivering projects, come chat to us about: • Solar PV thermographic inspections & construction monitoring (utility & C&I) • Wind turbine blade inspections • Transmission & distribution asset inspections and corridor mapping (including asset protection support) • LiDAR & photogrammetry surveying for energy and infrastructure projects If you’re attending and want to line up a quick meeting at the event, send a DM, we’re booking short slots across the three days. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eDt_qA9y #AfricaEnergyIndaba #AEI2026 #RenewableEnergy #SolarPV #WindEnergy

Continuing from the post shared earlier today, here’s a short clip of the Matrice 3D coming in to land at the Dock 2 at Lourensford. Even with several meters per second of wind, the aircraft stabilises over the dock, waits for the right moment and completes a controlled landing. If the wind were to exceed safe limits, it would divert to the alternative landing site inside the secure perimeter and be recovered manually. A practical example of how the system handles changing on site conditions. #ForestryResearch #StellenboschUniversity #RemoteDroneOperations #AerialSurvey #DJIDock

One of our pilots, Jolie Voges, operating the DJI Dock 2 with the Matrice 3D on a survey mission for Stellenbosch University’s Forestry and Wood Science Department. These regular weekly flights support a long term research project studying how species, hybrids, spacings and site conditions influence eucalyptus wood formation. Remote Drone Operations require strict compliance with SACAA regulations. At this site, the dock operates within an access controlled area, supported by PTZ cameras for continuous visual oversight of the Dock, live weather readings from the dock, and full in flight telemetry to maintain situational awareness. A low latency, high speed internet connection ensures reliable command and data links, while our custom Radio Over IP system enables the legally required airband radio broadcasts from our Cape Town control room to the dock location. All data captured during each mission uploads automatically to our Geospatial team. The imagery achieves sub 1 cm GSD, is tied into surveyed ground control points and is processed using standardised methods to ensure consistency across the full duration of the project. This work forms part of EucXylo - the Hans Merensky Chair in Measuring and Modelling of Eucalypt Growth and Wood Formation. By combining detailed field research with remote sensing and computational modelling, the project is advancing understanding of eucalyptus growth dynamics and their practical applications. You can learn more about their work at the following link: https://eucxylo.sun.ac.za/ #RemoteDroneOperations #DroneDock #AerialSurvey #GeospatialData #ForestryResearch #StellenboschUniversity #EucXylo

As one of the technical partners at the Disaster Risk Management Conference in Durban, we collaborated with the @durbansurflifesaving on a live demonstration showing how drones can support water rescues. In the simulation, a lifeguard waited behind the backline to represent a patient in distress. Once the drone carrying a rescue tube flotation device was launched, it reached the patient in under a minute. Almost simultaneously, the lifeguard IRB was deployed. The drone hovered above the patient, providing visual guidance to the IRB crew before returning to shore – ready to deploy again if needed. Integrated Aerial Systems is approved for drop and release operations under its SACAA Operating Certificate, and this demonstration showcased a practical use of that capability in a coastal rescue scenario. Beyond surf rescues, this same technology can support wider Disaster Risk Management efforts by delivering essential equipment, flotation aids, or medical supplies in hard-to-reach or high-risk areas. #SearchAndRescue #EmergencyResponse #PublicSafety #dronerescue