DelMar Aerospace Corporation has purchased an X8 drone system from Xer Technologies AB (Xer Tech) following a comprehensive three-month operational lease and field testing program in Western Canada.
The acquisition follows an extensive trial conducted alongside DelMar’s Canadian partner, Perspectum Drone Inspection Services. During the evaluation period, the X8 was deployed across various methane-detection missions, providing inspections for pipelines, oil production facilities, and complex infrastructure. The system utilized an integration package for Sierra Olympia’s Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) sensor, which Xer Tech successfully integrated into the platform earlier this year.
The purchase agreement, valued at approximately SEK 1.4 million, includes the commercial version of the X8 aircraft, a spare engine, and a long-range antenna. This transaction marks a transition from a successful lease to full ownership, highlighting the platform’s performance in demanding real-world environments.
Stan Springer, CEO at DelMar Aerospace Corporation, commented, “Our team at Perspectum and DelMar have pushed the X8 hard over the last several months, and the solution has performed exceptionally across a range of demanding missions. The smooth integration and flawless performance of the Sierra Olympia OGI sensor have been key enablers for advanced methane-leak detection workflows.”
The X8 is a hybrid-electric UAV designed for dual-use applications in both the defense and civilian sectors. Its fully modular architecture allows for rapid payload reconfiguration and compatibility with multiple sensor systems. This versatility is further supported by a long-endurance powertrain and a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) ready architecture.
Erik Herlyn, CEO of Xer Tech AB, stated, “Perspectum and DelMar are ideal partners for demonstrating the X8’s capabilities in some of the most challenging real-world environments. This transaction reinforces our joint commitment to bringing next-generation aerial inspection tools to operators who demand reliability, endurance, and payload versatility.”
Recent updates to Canadian aviation regulations have influenced the adoption of the platform, as current rules now allow virtually any certified pilot to operate the X8. This regulatory shift, combined with DelMar’s operations at the FAA-approved Pendleton UAS Test Range, positions the partnership to expand into further North American infrastructure, energy, and defense sectors.
Moving forward, Xer Tech and DelMar are exploring new multi-sensor configurations. These technical developments aim to support more advanced methane-detection missions and enable the execution of additional inspection tasks within a single flight duration. Xer Tech, which recently entered a binding agreement to be acquired by Renewable Ventures Nordic AB through a reverse acquisition, continues to focus on high-endurance aerial tools for professional operators.
