In 2023, Flyability launched the first payload for its modular Elios 3 drone: the RAD. This payload was developed in collaboration with Mirion Technologies, a leading provider of radiation detection, measurement analysis, and monitoring solutions. The Elios 3 RAD is the ultimate tool for detecting, localizing, and measuring radiation while the operator remains in a safe zone.
Later in the same year, Flyability and their partner Foretec attended the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, France. Taking place from 28-30 November, this event had over 20,000 participants focused on rising to the energy and environmental challenges of working with nuclear material.
Among the numerous projects/solutions registered and several nominated, the Flyability Elios 3 RAD was nominated and awarded the Nuclear Safety Innovation award by a jury of 5 people. This award covers all activities related to improving and/or maintaining the integrity of the mechanisms, processes, tools, or instruments containing radioactive material, to protect people and the environment from harmful effects. This award recognizes a product/solution that is not necessarily restricted to nuclear sites, but can be to do with logistics, manufacturing, or components associated with nuclear energy or waste management.
The Elios 3 RAD is a powerful safety tool, and has seen applications across the world including inspecting an irradiated vault with the Department of Energy in the USA and is under testing at the UK’s largest nuclear waste management site, Sellafield. Applications with the Elios 3 RAD range from nuclear waste operations to inspections at nuclear sites, with over 80% of US nuclear power plants already equipped with an Elios drone. Moving forward, the Elios 3 RAD will be used as a key part of improved safety operations and data collection.