A proof-of-concept unmanned aerial vehicle that combines fixed-wing and helicopter capabilities is being tested by the Airbus Group.The electric-powered Quadcruiser is a joint effort of Airbus Group Innovations and Airbus Defense, with the participation of Steinbeis Flugzeug-und Leichtbau GmbH. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Mumbai Police Investigate Pizza Delivery by QuadCopter
Police have launched a probe into the usage of a quadcopter by a Lower Parel-based outlet of a pizza chain in Mumbai, which has now become an internet sensation. The eatery created its own slice of history on May 11 when it successfully test-delivered a 13-inch Margherita from its Lower Parel outlet to a highrise in Worli, 1.5-km away, in 10 minutes using a remote-controlled, GPS-enabled quadcopter. Continue reading
Successful First Flights of the Production Silent Falcon
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and developer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, along with Silent Falcon UAS Technologies (SFUAS), announced the successful first flights of the production Silent Falcon Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) powered by Ascent Solar’s ultra-lightweight, flexible photovoltaic modules. Continue reading
Russian UCAV in Near Miss Near Moscow
The Russian unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) programme revealed as long ago as 2007 might have reached the flight-test phase. The evidence comes from a near midair over Arkhangelskoye on February 17, reported by the pilots of two L-29 jet trainers belonging to a civilian flying club based at the Barataevka airfield near Ulyanovsk. The L-29 pilots rapidly altered heading and altitude to escape collision with an unidentified flying object that they described as “a heavyweight unmanned air vehicle.”
EasyJet will use UAS to Inspect Airbus Fleet
EasyJet hopes to introduce UAS to inspect its fleet of Airbus aircraft as early as next year following trials in the next few months.They will be programmed to scan and assess the carrier’s fleet of Airbus A319 and A320 planes, reporting back to engineers on any damage which may require further inspection or maintenance work.
Lockheed Martin Demonstrates ADAM Ground-Based Laser System
In tests off the California coast, a Lockheed Martin prototype laser system successfully disabled two boats at a range of approximately 1.6 kilometers (approximately 1 mile). These were the first tests of the Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) system against maritime targets. Continue reading
X-47B Programme Prepares for Summer Sea Trials
The X-47B unmanned combat air system is gearing up for shore-based flight test activities in preparation for the next round of sea trials this summer. The program’s test team will conduct various test events with the X-47B over the next few months in an effort to mature air traffic control and ground support standard operating procedures for co-use of airspace between unmanned and manned aircraft during day and nighttime operations.
Carbon Landing Gear Leg Cushions UAV Landing
Using its Lost Core Resin Transfer Molding (LCRTM) system, Wichita, Kan.-based Fiber Dynamics Inc. manufactured the main landing gear strut for the Predator B MQ-9 Reaper. Continue reading