If you ever want to know the future of theme parks, you’ve got to look to the patents. Every ride system and every piece of technology that can be incorporated into an attraction or show first exists as a patent, a dry design with an even drier description that feels like it was specifically designed to sound as boring as possible. It’s a great way to hide in plain sight – to read about exciting theme park advancements that may be on the horizon is to also be bored out of your mind. Continue reading
Author Archives: The Editor
Revolutionary Coaxial Drone with Diesel Piston Engine – Optionally Piloted Helicopter
Turbines have an excellent power to weight ratio and as such are the reason is why they are used for helicopters where weight is a critical factor. Nevertheless, their fuel efficiency compared to diesel piston engines is extremely poor, especially for smaller platforms. The diesel piston engine consumes +/- 60% less fuel compared to a turbine with similar specifications and produces up to 40% less CO2 than standard turbine helicopters. Continue reading
Kansas Tests Drones for Bridge and Tower Inspections
The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has started testing drones for bridge and tower inspections through the new Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems program. Continue reading
Avro 19 / Avro Anson : WW2 Bomber Trainer
An Avro 19 (G-AHKX) performs a tight, low speed display at the Shuttleworth Air Pageant airshow in 2014. Continue reading
Alphabet Hits Brakes on Project Wing – Cancels Starbucks Partnership
The latest Google drones have just started taking flight in the real world. But the team behind the technology is slowing down, trimming headcount and shelving initiatives as the experimental unit becomes the latest target of tightening budgets across parent company Alphabet Inc. Continue reading
Phone-Size Radar Detection System First Flight Test
A radar-equipped drone is blazing a trail for the day when flying robots fill the skies – and deliver your packages. The drone took to the air last month in Texas for a series of tests aimed at finding out how well Bellevue-based Echodyne’s miniaturized detect-and-avoid radar could spot obstacles and other aircraft. The results confirmed that Echodyne is on the right track. Continue reading
Exponent Showcases Live Drone Tracking Technology
Exponent Technology Services has unveiled its SkyCommander at the UTM Convention 2016. Completely encapsulated and independent of any requirement to be electronically coupled with the UAV, Exponent’s SkyCommander provides near real-time situational awareness of UAV operations via a secured cloud based internet platform and existing cellular networks. Continue reading
Marriott and DJI Launch Drone Experience Program
JW Marriott Hotel & Resorts and DJI have announced a special partnership that will launch the luxury hotel brand’s first Drone Experience Program. The program will provide guests with the opportunity to experiment with DJI’s innovative drone technology. Hotel guests will view the beauty of JW Marriott’s properties through a new perspective, and will be able to capture and share these experiences with friends and family. Continue reading