Sergeant Russ Mullins knows it’s only a matter of time before people start unpacking the drones they received for Christmas and start launching them over the water. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife agent just wants to keep the remote-controlled aircraft away from Washington’s endangered population of orcas, also known as Southern resident killer whales.
Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS
Amazon’s Plans for ‘Airborne Fulfilment Centres’

A recently unearthed patent filing reveals a possible endgame for the drone delivery agenda: The use of roving “airborne fulfilment centers” (AFCs) to make Prime deliveries. Continue reading
Transport Canada Launches Online “Drone Incident” Reporting Tool

Canadians expect to feel safe on the ground and in the sky, which is why Transport Canada is moving forward with a number of safety initiatives for drones. Continue reading
Amazon Patents Drone Protection System
Amazon’s latest patent, called ‘Countermeasure for Threats to an Uncrewed Autonomous Vehicle’, was filed on November 17, 2014 and was published last week. If a drone is stuck with a rock, gun or even an arrow, the system will deploy ‘a protective device such as an airbag, foam, parachute, bumper and so forth’.
More About French Postal Drone Service
New Drone Can Hoist 500 Pounds
The GRIFF 300 is the first in a planned line of unmanned aerial systems (U.A.S) designed to lift and carry huge loads. The 300 refers to its gross lifting weight in kilograms, so this one can carry up to 496 pounds (payload). Continue reading
Japan’s Drone Sector Flying High

From high-street playthings to sophisticated commercial and military aircraft, drones are seen as being at the sharp end of technology. Yet, paradoxically, traditionally low-tech countries such as India and Pakistan are now churning out their own models. The commercial drone business is driven by advances in key components such as sensors, lenses and radio control devices – and manufacturers buy these from producers in advanced tech countries. Continue reading
Illinois Tests Drones to Help with Inspections
The Illinois Department of Transportation thinks that two new, 7 1/2-pound, 2 1/2-foot-wide devices will help the agency rise to new heights of safety and cost efficiency.