Chinese media reports indicate that the winner of the 2nd AVIC-Cup International UAV Innovation Grand Prix (UAVGP) in the fixed-wing category this week was fielded by a group of students representing Shenyang Aerospace University in Liaoning Province. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Raytheon AI3 Missile Intercepts its First UAS Target
In a first-of-its-kind test for Raytheon Company‘s Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative system, AI3 destroyed an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in flight. The intercept was part of the second guided test flights for the AI3 programme and follows its first in-flight defeat of a 107mm rocket earlier in the test series. Continue reading
DARPA Commissions Enhanced Version of Legged Infantry-Support Robot
A US military project to develop a donkey-sized legged robot to help infantry warfighters haul ammunition, food, and other gear through rugged terrain is moving ahead with a research contract this week. Continue reading
Bogota Mayor and Tecscorp Launch UAS Pilot Scheme in Colombian Capital
Governmental use of unmanned surveillance aircraft has inspired a lot of concern about privacy, but Bogota City Mayor Gustavo Petro thinks the battle is already over. In a TV interview days ago, Petro said essentially that UAS are an inevitable part of our future, comparing them to the thousands of cameras already located around Bogota. Continue reading
Aeroscraft Begins Flight-Testing Following FAA Certification
Two days after receiving experimental airworthiness certification from the Federal Aviation Administration Aeros Corp. began flight-testing the Aeroscraft airship. For safety, the current flights are tethered, and, according to John Kiehle, communications director at Aeros, untethered flights are expected to follow within few weeks. Continue reading
Raytheon and Cranfield Team on Lightweight Civil UAS
Cranfield Aerospace and Raytheon UK are testing a new lightweight unmanned air system, which is now being promoted to potential buyers. Continue reading
Boeing QF-16 Aerial Target Completes 1st Pilotless Flight
Boeing and the U.S. Air Force have completed the first unmanned QF-16 Full Scale Aerial Target flight, demonstrating the next generation of combat training and testing. Continue reading
Northrop Grumman Readies MQ-8C Fire Scout for Flight Operations
Northrop Grumman Corporation turned on the power to the U.S. Navy’s first MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter and rotated the aircraft’s four blades for the first time during initial ground testing and engine runs at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, California, on Sept. 20. Continue reading