– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. completed a first-of-its-kind test involving multiple aircraft and advanced software on June 11 that included a successful simulated autonomous shoot-down. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Hermeus Flies Quarterhorse Edwards at Air Force Base
– Hermeus, a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company specializing in high-speed aircraft, announced the flight of its Quarterhorse Mk 1 aircraft. This milestone is a significant step in Hermeus’ development of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft. Continue reading
Mitsubishi and Yamaha to Research Hybrid-Powered UAVs
– Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha Motor) are conducting joint research to develop a medium-sized multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 200 kilograms. Continue reading
GA-ASI Moves to Ground Testing of YFQ-42A CCA
– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is moving into the ground testing phase of development on the YFQ-42A production-representative test vehicle for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program in preparation for its planned first flight later this summer. Ground testing began May 7. Continue reading
Palladyne AI and Red Cat Complete Successful Cross-Platform Collaborative Drone Flight
– Palladyne AI Corp., a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the defense and commercial sectors, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, have announced a significant testing milestone in their ongoing collaboration – the completion of an autonomous, cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones. Continue reading
Ship Bottom Inspection Using Water-Air Integrated Drone
– KDDI Smart Drone Corporation, Prodrone Corporation, and Kunimori Corporation were selected for the Cabinet Office National Ocean Policy Promotion Secretariat’s “Autonomous Unmanned Vehicle (AUV) Utilization Demonstration Project” and conducted a demonstration experiment of ship bottom inspection in Hyogo Prefecture. Continue reading
NASA Studies Wind Effects and Aircraft Tracking with Joby Aircraft
NASA engineers began using a network of ground sensors in March to collect data from an experimental air taxi to evaluate how to safely integrate such vehicles into airspace above cities – in all kinds of weather. Researchers will use the campaign to help improve tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations and ensure safe and efficient air taxi operations in various weather conditions. Continue reading
UK Royal Navy Jet-Powered Drones Project Completed
The UK Royal Navy Banshee drones have now been retired from service, with the Fleet Air Arm team having achieved its objectives. In 2023, a flight was created by 700X Naval Air Squadron to understand how to fly and operate these high-speed jet-powered drones. Continue reading