Israeli startup 'Ciconia' lands California helicopter safety deal to prevent midair collisions
As airspace becomes increasingly crowded with helicopters, drones, and other unmanned aircraft operating in confined areas, aviation safety has become a growing concern for emergency services.
Israeli startup Ciconia has secured a significant contract with California-based helicopter operator HeliStream to deploy its Collision and Conflict Avoidance System (CCAS) in the company's aircraft. The demonstration of CCAS took place in August 2026 at San Bernardino County, California, before representatives from firefighting organizations across the United States.
The demonstration involved testing the system in scenarios where helicopters and drones operated in congested airspace, particularly during firefighting and emergency response missions.
As the number of helicopters, drones, and other unmanned aircraft operating in confined areas increases, aviation safety has become a growing concern for emergency services. Ciconia's decentralized collision avoidance system not only identifies potential threats but also calculates safe evasive maneuvers for aircraft. The company's leadership comprises former Israeli Air Force pilots and aviation and technology specialists.
The CCAS was tested by HeliStream's chief pilot, Andreas Moser, who has over 34 years of flying experience, including with various helicopter models and a Sikorsky Black Hawk.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
