A new unmanned air system (UAS) testing centre with its own reserved airspace for remotely-piloted technology, the first of its kind in Spain, is expected to be operating by the end of this year. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Eurocopter X3 Hybrid Helicopter Creates New Speed Record at 263 knots – 487 km/hr
The Eurocopter X3 hybrid helicopter has opened the frontiers of aviation by attaining a speed milestone of 255 knots (472 km/hr) in level flight on June 7. Several days before this accomplishment, the X3 reached a speed of 263 knots (487 km/hr) during a descent. With these two successes, the X3 surpasses the unofficial speed record for a helicopter. Continue reading
Raven Industries Persistent Surveillance Solution Supports U.S. Navy South Maritime Operations
Raven Aerostar recently concluded a successful maritime operation in response to an urgent requirement from the Commander, U.S. Navy South (Mayport, Fla.) for a maritime persistent surveillance solution aimed at enhancing security in the Caribbean Basin. Continue reading
Aurora Electric Ducted Lift Fan Completes High Powered Thrust Tests for DARPA
Aurora Flight Sciences along with partners ThinGap and Trust Automation are answering the need for safe, high power density electric lift fans, with specific interest in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) air vehicle applications. Continue reading
US Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System Programme
New fights and new ways of fighting require new capabilities. Designing those capabilities for unknown future combat is a complex challenge, but two attributes find utility on any battlefield: speed and precision. Continue reading
Phantom Eye Gets $7M Missile Defence Payload Contract
Boeing’s high-altitude Phantom Eye technology demonstrator has secured its first customer, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Continue reading
YO! Burgers Delivered by QuadCopter in London
Restaurant chain YO! Sushi has claimed it is trialling a flying tray gadget to speed up the delivery of food to its customers’ tables. The Japanese firm says its waiters can now whizz the bizarre iPad-controlled iTray over tables and between chairs at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour, or six times faster than they usually walk. Continue reading
U.S. Geological Survey Plans Deer Counting Mission North of Las Vegas
The U.S. Geological Survey started using unmanned aircraft for wildlife and land management work about two years ago. Its first Nevada mission, planned for August or September, involves counting sheep and deer within the Desert National Wildlife Refuge north of Las Vegas. Continue reading