BAE Systems has successfully completed test firing of a low-cost precision weapon launched from a Eurofighter Typhoon, demonstrating a highly effective, affordable solution to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Quieter, Stealthier, Further: New Hybrid Unit to Power China’s Small Battle Drones
Chinese-developed hybrid propulsion approach is combining fuel-based generation with an electric drive to optimize drone performance. In this configuration, a fuel-powered source generates electricity to run the motor, effectively merging the endurance of combustion systems with the low-signature advantages of electric propulsion.
Chinese Bamboo Drone Reaches 60 mph in Flight Tests
A team of researchers in China has unveiled what they describe as the world’s first open-source flight control system designed specifically for bamboo-frame drones, helping the push for low-cost, eco-friendly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Continue reading
Northrop Grumman Demos Lumberjack to US Army
Northrop Grumman Corporation has showcased the autonomous mission capabilities of its Lumberjack Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft System during the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)’s Operation Lethal Eagle exercise. Continue reading
Airbus’ Bird of Prey Interceptor Conducts Successful First Demo Flight
Airbus’ ‘Bird of Prey’ interceptor drone has completed its first demonstration flight at a military training area in northern Germany. In a realistic mission scenario, the drone autonomously searched for, detected, and classified a medium-sized one-way attack (kamikaze) drone. Continue reading
Japan’s Tests First Drone Route North of Tokyo for Cargo Flights
Japan has run a cargo-carrying drone test in the first government-designated air corridor north of Tokyo. The 150-kilometer route runs along power lines and a dam in the mountainous Chichibu area of Saitama Prefecture.
Shield AI’s X-BAT Drone ‘Fighter’ will Begin VTOL Flight Testing in Kansas this Year
Shield AI told TWZ recently that it will begin flight testing its hugely ambitious X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing drone ‘fighter,’ near Newton, Kansas, this year. Continue reading
GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate Autonomy at USAF Exercise Using IR Sensing for CCA
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force held another autonomy flight exercise yielding new and important developments in the operation of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The February 24 demonstration featured the latest government Autonomy Start Kit (ASK) and a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger unmanned jet was used as a testbed CCA. Continue reading