Maritime & Critical Services

Aalborg University expands BVLOS drone research capabilities with Airboxer

"After extensive research on the long-range UAV market we chose the HEF 32 UAV because of the high professional level of technicians, knowledge and elaborate documentation. High Eye also has a manned aviation background and is very open in its approach and communication."

Anders La Cour Harbo

Professor & Manager of Drone Research Lab

Executive Snapshot

Customer: Aalborg University Drone Research Lab
Mission: Advanced BVLOS UAV research and technology development
Challenge: Finding a professional VTOL platform capable of supporting multiple research applications
Solution: HEF 32 with flexible payload integration capability

Results

Long-endurance BVLOS research capability
Multi-payload configuration for different research programs
Professional aviation-grade documentation and support
Flexible platform for autonomy, mapping, communication and industrial applications

Building the future of unmanned aviation

Aalborg University Drone Research Lab focuses on advancing unmanned aviation through research in autonomy, communication systems, safety, risk management, industrial applications and mapping.

To support these projects, the team required more than a standard UAV. They needed a reliable research platform capable of operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), integrating different technologies and adapting as research requirements evolved.

The challenge: one platform, multiple research missions

Drone research environments require flexibility. A single aircraft may need to support different sensors, payload configurations and experimental setups across multiple projects.

Many UAV systems are optimized for one specific application, making it difficult to test new technologies without major modifications.

Aalborg University needed a professional VTOL UAV platform that combined operational maturity with the freedom required for advanced research.

The solution: HEF 32 as a flexible BVLOS research platform

After evaluating the long-range UAV market, Aalborg University selected the HEF 32.

Designed around a modular payload architecture, the HEF 32enables operators to integrate different mission equipment without redesigning the aircraft. This allows researchers to adapt the system between missions and expand capabilities over time.

Previously integrated payloads include:

Electro-optical sensors
Monitoring equipment
Radar systems
LiDAR modules

Combined with Aalborg University’s motion tracking facilities, autonomous vehicle labs, electronics workshop and dedicated test airfield, the HEF 32 became part of a complete BVLOS research environment.

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