A binocular vision-based platform has simulated autonomous aerial refuelling (AAR) between two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real time, using a boom approach. The platform may be the first step toward a vision-based sensor and navigation system that could enable in-air refuelling of UAVs without pilot assistance. Continue reading
Category Archives: News
US Air Force Flight Plan Outlines Next 20 Years for sUAS
US Air Force leaders outlined what the next 20 years will look like for remotely piloted aircraft in the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight Plan. Continue reading
US Army Tests High Energy Laser in Exercise
Last month, the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command proved again how effective the High Energy Laser Mobile Test Truck is at destroying unmanned aerial vehicles, quad-copters and even laptops with just a blast of concentrated light. Continue reading
Northern European UAS Associations Join Forces for Nordic UAS Event 2016
For the first time, UAS associations from the entire Nordic Region have joined forces for 3 drone days of demos, exhibition and a conference program covering every inch of the industry. The main reason is to showcase the drone friendly Northern market towards visionary global stakeholders and to create an industry focused event. Continue reading
Lancair Evolution to Become an OPA
Spectral Sky is tapping the capabilities of experimental amateur-built kit airplanes to fill the need for lower-cost manned and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for aerial data collection, real-time reconnaissance and data delivery for commercial and government customers. Spectral Sky is a commercial spin-off of Unmanned Systems, which does contracting on larger government UAS programs. Continue reading
Airbus Defence & Space/SurveyCopter Offer SkyGhost
Airbus Defence and Space and its UAV subsidiary Survey Copter are proposing a true Extended Range new mini UAS, the SkyGhost ER, a Mini-Drones Reconnaissance System (SMDR), with unique optimized operational features. Skyghost ER is the next step of the successful family of MINI UAVs manufactured by Airbus DS and SurveyCopter for France and the export market. Continue reading
US Navy to Deploy AeroVironment Blackwing Reconnaissance Systems on Attack and Guided Missile Submarines
AeroVironment, Inc. announced the United States Navy plans to deploy its “Blackwing,” a small, tube-launched unmanned aircraft system that deploys from under the surface of the sea, on manned submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. Continue reading
Counter-UAS System in Development
With the proliferation of consumer UAS, the threat of collisions between drones and manned aircraft is a growing concern, particularly to operators of rotorcraft, which tend to fly at lower altitudes than fixed-wing aircraft. To combat this potential hazard, Virginia-based Alion Science and Technology (a $billion-revenue government contractor) is developing a device to take control of encroaching drones and move them out of harm’s way. Continue reading