Since 1998, unmanned aerial systems have been manufactured in Dordrecht, specifically model helicopters. In 2013, a realignment took place. Since then, High Eye has been producing UAS technology for commercial applications. Today, the mission of the Dutch company can be summarized in a single sentence: to enable drone operations where they are truly needed, and not just where conditions are favorable.

Many companies in the UAS industry are founded to realize a vision, to enable new possibilities, or to push the boundaries of what is feasible. In contrast, the story of High Eye goes back significantly further than that of many other drone manufacturers, with a few twists along the way. After 15 years of producing model helicopters, Joost de Ruiter joined as CEO and gradually, but consistently, redirected the company toward commercial and military customer bases. He wanted to create an offering that did not require a choice between maximum range and maximum operational flexibility but rather combined both in a single system. This marked the birth of what would later become the Airboxer concept.

Robust and endurable

Especially in maritime operational scenarios and remote areas, a UAS must be both robust and durable. Unlike today, VTOL fixed-wing drones were not widespread in 2013. Most fixed-wing drones provided the necessary range but required suitable launch and landing infrastructure, which was often lacking where missions were intended to take place. Multi-rotor drones could take off and land vertically and offered tremendous control precision, but their range was insufficient for most operational profiles. Meanwhile, manned helicopters continued to be used for costly missions where no personnel were actually necessary on board. High Eye recognized this gap as an operational rather than just a technical issue. The result of this analysis was a helicopter-designed drone that could be reliably deployed for commercial purposes under adverse conditions.