UAS VISION
an independent online news service for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems world
Xwing, a San Francisco startup developing technologies for self-flying aircraft, announced that it has completed what it called the world’s first fully autonomous demonstration flight of a commercial cargo aircraft from gate to gate. The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 pulled away from Xwing’s hangar in Concord, California, taxied, took off, landed and returned to the gate entirely on its own. Continue reading
Sony has updated the development status of its upcoming drone, Airpeak, announcing that they are combining their expertise in imaging, sensing and AI robotics technology in a continuous development of Airpeak. At CES 2021, Airpeak was unveiled as a drone system designed with professional filming in mind. Continue reading
A Hollywood man who flew a drone that crashed into an LAPD helicopter last year was sentenced to a $500 fine and probation.
Airbus has launched “Advanced Superconducting and Cryogenic Experimental powertraiN Demonstrator” (ASCEND) to explore the impact of superconducting materials and cryogenic temperatures on the performance of an aircraft’s electrical propulsion systems. Continue reading
Horizon Aircraft Cavorite X5
New research (1) with senior private equity and venture capital professionals reveals 71% expect there to be more than 160,000 commercial air taxis operating around the world by 2050. Some 17% anticipate there will be over 200,000. Continue reading
Lilium GmbH has entered into a definitive business combination agreement with Qell Acquisition Corp., a publicly listed special purpose acquisition company. Qell, led by Barry Engle, a former president of General Motors North America, is focused on developing next-generation, sustainable mobility. Continue reading
Northrop Grumman’s stealth aircraft that was built in secrecy during the 1980s represents a major milestone in surveillance aircraft technology. Tacit Blue — nicknamed “the whale” for its unusual shape — was an experimental prototype that demonstrated that aircraft could spy on enemy operations without being detected by radar. Continue reading
An MQ-9 pilot pulled a wrong lever as the Reaper was taking off in Syracuse, N.Y., causing the remotely piloted aircraft to lose fuel supply and crash in June 2020, according to an Air Force investigation. Continue reading