The Federal Aviation Administration has approved USAA’s request to test how unmanned aircraft systems, also known as drones, could help speed review of insurance claims from its members following natural disasters. USAA is one of the first insurers to be granted the approval for such testing. Continue reading
Author Archives: The Editor
Next-Gen Gas Turbine Engine Technology for UAS
UAV Turbines, Inc. (UAVT) has announced the launch of its leading-edge gas turbine technology to the Unmanned Aircraft industry. Ranging in power from 30 hp to 150 hp, UAVT’s engines are designed specifically to address Group 3 and above UAV programs. Continue reading
1 Billion Trees at a Time – by Quadcopter
BioCarbon Engineering, based in the UK, has developed a system of planting trees with drones, at just a fraction of the cost (15%) of traditional reforestation methods, and at a speed that manual planting can’t match – up to 10s of thousands of trees planted per day – and aims to plant 1 billion trees per year using this technology. Continue reading
First-ever Ultra HD Phantom Flex4k Drone Footage
Brain Farm paired a Phantom Flex4K with an Aerigon UAV to shoot the world’s first Ultra High Definition, 4K aerial drone footage. The combination is a cinematic game changer. Continue reading
Applied Aeronautics Announces Albatross UAV Platform
Applied Aeronautics LLC has announced its Albatross UAV platform and a line of supporting products. With a 10-foot wingspan and an entirely electric propulsion system, the Albatross can fly over two hours and cover 100 miles. It cruises at 38-45 mph and reaches a speed of 90 mph.
UAVs Track Pollution in China
In nine cities in China, including Beijing, 90% of air pollution has been attributed to vehicles, industrial production, coal burning and dust, according to a Ministry of Environmental Protection report. The ministry will adapt its strategies for curbing pollution according to the different regions of the country, reports our Chinese-language sister newspaper Want Daily. Continue reading
Hybrid Power Extends Flight Time
Top Flight, a startup out of Malden, Mass., says it has the answer to the range problem that restricts small UAS flight time in the form of hybrid propulsion. The company’s drones in development carry gasoline-powered generators that charge their onboard batteries in flight. Continue reading


