WingtraRAY Achieves FAA Category 3 Approval for Over-People Flights

FAA Milestone Unlocked

WingtraRAY secures FAA Category 3 certification for operations over people, eliminating waiver needs across 98 percent of U.S. territory thanks to its certified parachute system. This approval, highlighted in recent deployments as of July 2025, transforms drone surveying by enabling safer, faster missions near crowds or infrastructure without regulatory hurdles. Surveyors now deploy in urban zones or busy sites, slashing downtime and boosting efficiency for time-sensitive projects like emergency response mapping.

Safety Redefined

The drone's anti-collision adaptive flight, powered by forward-facing radar, detects obstacles and autonomously reverses course, flipping mid-air for clear paths. Paired with auto-landing capabilities, this setup ensures reliable returns even in gusty conditions up to 12 m/s (27 mph). Recent field trials in 2025 demonstrated zero incidents during over-people simulations, positioning WingtraRAY as a leader in risk-averse aerial operations.

VTOL Engineering Edge

Fixed-wing VTOL design combines vertical takeoff from tight spaces with efficient horizontal cruising at adaptive speeds of 16-22 m/s (36-49 mph). GNSS PPK navigation delivers 3 cm absolute accuracy without ground controls, while visual odometry enhances stability in GNSS-denied areas. This tailsitter innovation disrupts traditional multirotor limits, achieving up to 59-minute flights that cover 550 ha (1,360 ac) per mission.

Field Deployments Soar

Operators in mining and construction now map vast sites mid-shift, with agriculture teams monitoring crops via multispectral sensors for precision spraying. Infrastructure inspectors capture runway details at 0.5 cm resolution from 60 m, minimizing shutdowns as proven in 2025 airport trials. These applications accelerate data delivery, syncing via WingtraCLOUD for stakeholder reviews within hours.

Specs Power Performance

Measuring 125 x 68 x 12 cm and weighing 5.2 kg, WingtraRAY handles payloads like MAP61 RGB camera, SURVEY61 multispectral, INSPECT camera, SURVEY24, RedEdge-P multispectral, LiDAR-M2X, and GNSS PPK. It cruises at 22 m/s adaptive or 16 m/s standard, with batteries enduring 300 cycles. Safety shines via certified parachute, anti-collision flight, and auto-landing, all orchestrated by WingtraPilot software and WingtraCLOUD. Fixed-wing VTOL mobility excels in surveying, agriculture, mining, construction, and inspections.

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