The airspace over Lower Manhattan is one of the most complex in America – and yet a massive 2,997-drone fleet took to those skies this week. The goal? To recreate an exact scale replica of the Twin Towers in lights.
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, 2,977 drones put the World Trade Center back into the New York City skyline. The drones recreated a 1:1 scale replica of the Twin Towers, matching the number of drones to the number of people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93.
The tribute took to the sky on September 09, alongside the Tribute in Light.
Created by Sky Elements Drone and gifted to New York City, the organizers said the airspace is one of the most complex in America. Planning the show required months of planning and coordinating with federal, state, city, and bi-state organizations.
Building a 1:1 scale replica required reaching 1,368 feet (417 meters) to match the height of the North Tower with its taller telecommunications antenna. Flying a drone at that height required a special airspace authorization, a temporary flight restriction, and coordination with nearby Air Traffic controllers.
But beyond planning for the legal restrictions of such a drone flight, the company said it also worked with families. “The creative was reviewed with families of 9/11 victims directly,” the company wrote. “This was their vision. Our work was to fly it exactly as they pictured it.”
The drones rose in a helix shape before moving into position to recreate the Twin Towers, a view that was seen across New York City.
“This is a moment of remembrance for the families who have lived with this for twenty-five years…those we lost that day, those we have lost since, and the survivors who are still with us,” said Sky Elements CEO Rick Boss. “ Everything in the sky over New York is for them. We’re honored to be trusted with this.”
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In remembrance of 9/11 read the stories of some of the photographers who photographed Ground Zero: Award-winning photographer Gulnara Samoliva and Getty Images photojournalist Mario Tama.
