Israeli Startup Sikonia Develops Collision Avoidance System for Drones and Aircraft

Israeli startup Sikonia has developed a unique collision avoidance system designed to prevent mid-air collisions, particularly in complex scenarios involving drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, and helicopters. The system, called CCAS, was successfully demonstrated in August in San Bernardino County, California, before U.S. firefighting forces. Following the demonstration, California-based helicopter company HeliStream is expected to equip its fleet with Sikonia's technology.

The CCAS system creates a safe avoidance path for each aircraft, addressing the growing congestion and risks in airspace, especially during critical missions like firefighting and rescue operations. Moshe Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Sikonia, highlighted the danger of multiple aircraft operating in close proximity, stating, "Many aircraft, sometimes from different agencies, operating together over a limited and focused area are a recipe for disaster." Cohen, a former combat helicopter pilot, leads a team of experienced aviation professionals, including CTO Ilan Zohar, chief test pilot Gil Yanai, and other former Israeli Air Force personnel and El Al pilots.

Andreas Moser, chief pilot at HeliStream, tested the system and described the challenging airspace in Southern California, noting the increased risk from drones, both official and private, alongside traditional firefighting aircraft. He recounted an incident where a firefighting plane collided with a drone, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic accidents. Moser explained that existing systems like ADS-B and TCAS are insufficient for helicopter pilots in the field, as they lack real-time avoidance path guidance and can be overwhelmed by too much data or lose effectiveness outside radar coverage.

Sikonia's CCAS differentiates itself by not relying on central management and providing actionable avoidance maneuvers. Moser praised the system's performance during simulated firefighting and dense traffic scenarios, noting its rapid response to changing conditions. Gil Yanai, Sikonia's chief test pilot, explained that the system allows pilots to operate freely until a real threat emerges, at which point it provides necessary avoidance instructions. During the demonstration, a large drone equipped with CCAS and a Robinson helicopter flown by Moser, both equipped with the system, operated safely, showcasing the technology's ability to manage interactions between helicopters and drones.

HeliStream is eagerly awaiting the integration of the CCAS system, with Moser stating, "My greatest concern is not engine failure or a complex mechanical malfunction. My number one concern, both now and in the future, as there are more fires and more helicopters and drones in the air, is dangerous proximity to another aircraft. This is the greatest threat. Sikonia's CCAS system presents a real solution to a critical problem at an affordable price."