French police arrested three people found in possession of remote-controlled helicopter near one of the nuclear plants involved in a series of mystery overflights by the unmanned aircraft, a source close to the investigation said.
Category Archives: News
Iran Still Using US Target Drones
Iran has managed to maintain at least a few of its American-made Chukar II target drones—leftovers from the days of the Shah and warmer relations with the U.S. more than 30 years ago—up and running for training exercises. The drones simulate enemy planes and give the Iranian aviators something to chase.
Camcopter Under Fire in Ukraine
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has announced that its recently deployed Schiebel Camcopter unmanned air vehicle was the target of anti-aircraft gunfire above Ukraine, although it managed to fly away undamaged. Continue reading
Poland Wants Armed Drones Amid Ukraine Crisis
NATO member Poland said Tuesday it will acquire combat drones as part of a multi-billion-euro revamp of its armed forces amid heightened tensions with Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis. Continue reading
Alaska Researchers use HexaCopters to Find Hibernating Bears
For the first time, Alaska researchers plan to use hexacopters with thermal cameras to detect hibernating polar bears and grizzly bears on the North Slope. The University of Alaska Fairbanks team is working without dedicated funding, but is seeking industry support for the project. For now, they’re relying on UAF resources like the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration. Continue reading
Insitu Announces ScanEagle 2
Insitu has announced ScanEagle 2, the next generation of its revolutionary ScanEagle platform. Leveraging lessons learned from more than 800,000 operational hours, ScanEagle 2 provides increased payload power and expanded payload options, a more robust navigation system, better image quality due to a fully digital video system and a state-of-the-art, purpose-built propulsion system. The aircraft’s new architecture also maximizes commonality with all Insitu systems, reducing training, hardware and life-cycle costs.
Drones Monitor Pollution in Beijing Before Apec Summit
The Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection has sent out 11 drones to monitor air pollution in north China ahead of the Apec summit next month in Beijing, the China Youth Daily reported.
Xtreem Atom Palm-sized RC Helicopter
Swann is now offering one of the smallest remote-controlled helicopters on the market, the Xtreem Atom Mini Drone, which weighs in at less than half an ounce with rotor diameters of just 1.25 inches. The tiny size allows for greater speed and superior maneuverability, the company said.