HAPSMobile Inc., a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp. and minority-owned by AeroVironment, Inc., has announced the fourth successful test flight of its “Sunglider” solar-powered high-altitude platform system (HAPS). The flight took place on July 23, 2020 (PT) at Spaceport America (“SpA”) in New Mexico. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Airbus Helicopters VSR700 Prototype Performs First Autonomous Free Flight
The prototype of Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) has performed its first free flight. The VSR700 performed a ten minute flight at a drone test centre near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. Continue reading
Swift Engineering HALE UAS Completes First Flight
In partnership with NASA’s Ames Research Center, Swift Engineering’s high altitude long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial system, completed its maiden flight. The only US-made platform in its class, Swift’s flight team, performed a full-system check, validating the vehicle’s configuration for high-altitude continuous surveillance missions. Continue reading
First Flight for Modified German Heron TP
In preparation for its delivery to the German Armed Forces, the German Heron TP UAV has completed its first flight in the skies of the State of Israel. The UAV was modified according to the needs and requirements of the German Ministry of Defense. Continue reading
US Marine Corps, Verizon Launch ‘Living Lab’ to Test 5G
Verizon and the U.S. Marine Corps are working together at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar to explore ways the military and other U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) agencies can use Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband to transform operations in areas ranging from communications to base security. Continue reading
EHang Performs Aerial Sightseeing Trips in East China
EHang Holdings Limited announced that it has conducted aerial sightseeing trial flights in Yantai, a coastal city in East China. An EHang 216 took four passengers to the air for aerial sightseeing trips over the sea around the beautiful Fisherman’s Wharf in Yantai city, one of the many AAAA national tourist attraction locations throughout China. Continue reading
Royal Australian Navy Conducts S-100 Camcopter Trials
The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Anzac Class frigate, HMAS Ballarat, and a Schiebel S-100 Camcopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) have conducted flight trials. Continue reading
GA-ASI Conducts Japan Coast Guard Validation Flights
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced that it will partner with Asia Air Survey (AAS) to hold a series of validation flights for the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) featuring GA-ASI’s SeaGuardian beginning in mid-September. Continue reading




