Galaxy Unmanned Systems LLC proudly announces the FAA certification of the first three 55+ lb. commercially certified unmanned airships under 49 U.S.C. § 44807. This groundbreaking achievement positions Galaxy as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), redefining innovation and safety standards in Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) technology.
The certification includes Galaxy’s GC35-E2, GC35-E4, and GC50-E4 models—state-of-the-art unmanned airships designed for extended operations, heavy payloads, and integration into national airspace. With these capabilities, Galaxy’s airships mark a significant advancement in commercial aviation, offering unparalleled versatility and performance.
"A Comeback 17 Years in the Making..." ...says COO Tony White. Seventeen years ago, the FAA suspended commercial drone operations across the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS), a move that reshaped the trajectory of the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry. While aimed at addressing safety and regulatory concerns, this 2007 decision forced hundreds of pioneering companies, including Galaxy, to halt operations, leaving an industry in limbo.
In June 2016, the introduction of FAA Part 107 regulations provided a pathway for drones under 55 lbs., enabling Galaxy’s 35-foot Legacy Airship to return to the skies. However, larger, more advanced models remained grounded.
Progress accelerated in October 2018 with the codification of 49 U.S.C. § 44807, allowing exemptions for unmanned aircraft exceeding 55 lbs. Galaxy seized this opportunity shortly after completing several government contracts, submitting certification request FAA-2024-1137-0001 in May 2024. On December 12, Galaxy received the FAA’s approval, paving the way for the return of its larger airships.
A Milestone for Advanced Air Mobility
The FAA certification of Galaxy’s unmanned airships is a transformative milestone for AAM, opening new possibilities in commercial and defense applications. These airships combine resilience, low operational costs, and payload flexibility with the safety and efficiency of unmanned systems.
With docile flight characteristics and no need for a pilot, Galaxy’s airships are uniquely suited to missions such as:
Surveillance: Providing unobstructed, elevated scanning for security operations.
Broadcasting: Enhancing coverage at large-scale events.
Event Security: Safeguarding high-risk venues like festivals, rallies, and sports events.
In counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations, these airships offer cost-effective solutions for detecting and neutralizing rogue drones.
“The certification is not just a win for Galaxy but a milestone for the entire aviation industry,” said Jason White, CEO of Galaxy Unmanned Systems. “Our airships represent the future of unmanned systems with their blend of autonomy, sustainability, and operational flexibility.”
This achievement underscores Galaxy’s commitment to innovation and safety, reaffirming the potential of unmanned airship technology to revolutionize airspace management. With reduced environmental impact and enhanced mission capabilities, Galaxy’s certified airships unlock possibilities for previously unattainable operations.
A Gateway to Innovation and Safety
The FAA certification affirms Galaxy's commitment to maintaining the highest safety and operational standards. This achievement paves the way for wider adoption of unmanned systems in restricted airspace, making previously unattainable missions possible with minimal environmental impact.
As Galaxy continues to push the boundaries of aviation, it invites commercial and government partners to explore the vast potential of unmanned airship technology. With its advanced platforms now certified for national airspace, Galaxy is charting a path toward a future where innovation and safety shape the skies.
