The U.S. Navy tested its Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Station’s (UMCS) ability to command an unmanned aircraft in flight for the first time Nov. 5, paving the way for future unmanned aviation operations. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Boeing and US Navy Simulate MQ-25 Carrier Recovery Using F-35 Automated Landing System
The US Navy (USN) has logged another milestone on its path to fielding its first aircraft carrier-based uncrewed aerial vehicle. In conjunction with airframer Boeing, the service completed a simulated landing of the developmental Boeing MQ-25 Stingray autonomous refueller jet aboard an aircraft carrier using an automated recovery system. Continue reading
Drone with its Own ‘Nervous System’ Trialed by Scientists
Scientists are testing a drone fitted with its own “nervous system” which they claim can keep it operating in the sky for longer. It was created by experts at the University of Southampton who say the system, made of optical fibers, reduces the frequency it needs to land for inspection. Continue reading
UK Tests Helicopter-Launched Missiles to Intercept Drones
In the first air-to-air trial of its kind, the crew of a Wildcat used the Martlet missile – designed to take out enemy surface targets – to destroy a Banshee jet flying at hundreds of miles an hour over the Bristol Channel. Continue reading
GA-ASI’s Gray Eagle Extended Range UAS Supports Army Vanguard Demos
As part of the U.S. Army’s Vanguard demonstrations that took place in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, on Sept. 17–18, 2024, a Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System provided by the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) showcased several new capabilities, including the integration of an Expeditionary Cyber Chassis (ECC) for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) and Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) with Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) radios from Silvus Technologies. Continue reading
Airbus and Partners Demonstrate Collaboration between Helicopters and Unmanned Systems
– Airbus Helicopters and its partners have conducted a full scale demonstration of a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) system developed as part of a project funded by the European Union and code-named MUSHER. The demonstration took place in France and Italy from 30 September to 9 October and involved multiple manned helicopters and unmanned systems connected to a single MUM-T network. Continue reading
Skydweller Completes Autonomous Solar-Powered Flight Test Campaign
– Skydweller Aero has successfully completed the uncrewed autonomous flight test campaign of its Skydweller Unmanned Aerial System. A series of uncrewed flight tests – with the two longest being 16 hours and 22 ½ hours – were launched from the company’s facility at Stennis International Airport in Kiln, Mississippi. Continue reading
Mayman Aerospace Completes Successful RAZOR VTOL Aircraft Flight Tests
– Mayman Aerospace has completed successful flight tests at a military base in the Southern California desert of its RAZOR test bed VTOL aircraft. The RAZOR test bed is exactly the same dimensions and weight as the RAZOR P100 and uses the same propulsion, engine gimballing, thrust vectoring and flight control systems. Continue reading