Canadian start-up SkyX has developed a new suite of fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that would provide inspection services for the oil and gas industry.

Equipped with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, the new SkyOne drone can inspect pipelines for damage. It can also perform mapping and security surveillance.

With the ability to recharge itself in the field, SkyOne can cruise at 150km/h for 70min, as well as detect leaks, vandalism, vegetation encroachment and other issues in oil and gas pipelines.

Using proprietary technology, SkyOne can fly to the nearest available xStation, where it recharges in a weather-shielded dome before continuing the rest of its mission.

“Our unique solution, which combines both VTOL flight and autonomous remote charging, puts us well ahead of the competition."

Currently available in a service-leasing model, the new drone offers continuous, unlimited data in real-time to the users, who can also control either an individual UAV or an entire fleet, as well as monitor events using real-time video.

Founded by a former Israeli Air Force captain and drone pilot Didi Horn, SkyX is now preparing to raise funding in a Round A financing, following its recent public launch.

Horn said: “The market is, obviously, of huge global importance. We know that our technology can significantly cut costs and improve efficiency, helping the sector as a whole, along with each and every customer.

“Our unique solution, which combines both VTOL flight and autonomous remote charging, puts us well ahead of the competition.

“As a result, we are en-route for significant expansion, offering an unprecedented opportunity for a strategic investment partner to help us conquer and secure significant market share in an ever-growing industry.”

It is estimated that the global oil and gas market is currently spending $37bn a year only in monitoring.