The Federal Aviation Administration has announced its policy for the type certification of certain unmanned aircraft systems as a special class of aircraft. This policy is effective September 18, 2020. Continue reading
Author Archives: The Editor
Rooftop Skylight Hatches for Drone Deliveries
“Smart” delivery hatches built into homes are being developed so that parcels can be delivered by drone. The skylight hatches could be both fitted or designed into the roofs of homes so customers can receive packages even when they are out. Continue reading
Aero Med Helicopter in Near Miss with Drone
A Spectrum Health Aero Med helicopter had a near collision with a drone while landing at Butterworth Hospital. The drone was hovering over the rooftop landing site when the aircraft landed. Continue reading
TAI Aksungur Flies 28 Hours with Full Ammunition
Aksungur, a domestically produced medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), completed a 28-hour-long flight last Thursday. It was the first time the aircraft flew with a payload at an altitude of 20,000 feet (6,096 meters). Continue reading
Kratos Expands Production Capacity Ready for Air Force Contract
Kratos employees move a target drone inside after testing its engine
Kratos Defense, a manufacturer of military tactical and training drones, expanded its footprint in Oklahoma City. Continue reading
US Air Force Reveals NGAD Aircraft has Flown
Will Roper addresses the Air Force Association’s virtual Air, Space & Cyber Conference on Sept. 15, 2020
The US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance combat aircraft, intended to complement or succeed the F-22 and F-35 in the air superiority role, has already flown, having been rapidly prototyped through modern digital design, Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper revealed. Continue reading
USAF Awards $7.4 Billion Ceiling MQ-9 Reaper Contract
An MQ-9 Reaper sits on the flightline as the sun sets at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 20, 2019
In an effort to field MQ-9 Reapers faster and meet an increasing operational demand for the aircraft, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s MQ-9 Program Office awarded a $7.4 billion ceiling Agile Reaper Enterprise Solution (ARES) contract to General Atomics Sept. 17. Continue reading
Altitude Angel Plans 5 Mile Drone Corridor Near London
The Thames Valley to the west of London will be the site of what is expected to be the world’s first commercial drone corridor in open and unrestricted airspace according to plans submitted to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority. Continue reading