UAS VISION
an independent online news service for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems world
NASA Global Hawk
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists are using NASA’s Global Hawk to study atmospheric rivers in the sky during the Winter Storms and Pacific Atmospheric Rivers, or WISPAR, field campaign slated that began on February 11th.
Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson, commander of the 45th Space Wing announced last week that one unmanned and unarmed Guardian* UAS, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection will soon be based at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Two or three more will likely arrive in coming months to patrol for illegal immigration or drug traffic.
Panama’s Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino, announced recently that the country will spend at least $16 million dollars on four UAS to monitor drug trafficking. With operating costs, the total bill could reach $93 million in the first year.
The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection intends to issue a Firm Fixed Price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the procurement of up to three additional Predator B Guardian UAS . The anticipated delivery period will be twelve months from date of contract. The official notice can be consulted here.
UAS adapted for water leak detection Photo: Arad
An Israeli company, Arad Technologies, a world leader in wireless automatic meter reading systems, has recently developed a two pound Unmanned Aircraft that can travel 900 feet above ground and detect water leaks. It can collect data from water meters every 11 to 30 seconds and capture readings of a whole city in less than one hour.
Brock Technologies has announced its new Shark Unmanned Aircraft System. A small UAS capable of performing silent ISR at low altitudes for long periods of time, it is designed to fit within a five inch inner diameter launch tube. The Shark is built with the latest in composite materials and processes to produce an affordable system that weighs only 5.5 pounds.
Police in Arlington, Texas are considering flying a miniature unmanned helicopter over the Cowboys Stadium to survey Super Bowl XLV crowds on Sunday, February 6. The department is the first in the country to get an unmanned aircraft. Officials say officers are finishing certification and will deploy the UAS if considered necessary.
News that by 2013, the FAA expects to have formulated new rules that would allow police across the country to routinely fly lightweight UAS up to 400 feet above the ground – high enough for them to be largely invisible eyes in the sky – has sparked off fresh debates about the boundaries of privacy in the US media, lead by The Washington Post.