Leonardo is accelerating the progress of technology and innovation in autonomous flight by investing in Skydweller Aero Inc., a US/Spanish start-up specialising in large-scale solar-powered unmanned air systems. The initiative will result in the development and deployment of the Skydweller drone, the world’s first fully electric unmanned aircraft capable of carrying large payloads with unlimited range and ultra-persistent endurance. Continue reading
US Marines Narrow List of Capabilities for Large UAS
Bell V-247 “Vigilant” Tiltrotor Unmanned Aerial System
The US Marine Corps has narrowed the list of requirements for its proposed large unmanned aerial system (UAS) and is teaming with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on an unusual program to accelerate development of the technologies the UAS would need. Continue reading
US Navy Accepts First Hydrogen Powered UAS
Members of the NPS Acceptance Team pose with the HYCOPTER UAS during its acceptance flight on 25 October, 2019. (From L to R) Faculty Associate Gary Parker (SE), Assistant Professor Tony Pollman (SE), Academic Laboratory Engineer Rushen Dal (SE), NPS Students Lt. Col. Joseph Novak (ME) and LT Justin Laddusaw (ME)
The Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California took delivery of the Navy’s first ever hydrogen fuel cell powered rotary-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) on 25 October 2019. Continue reading
EUROCAE Creates C-UAS Working Group
European standards agency EUROCAE approved the creation of Working Group 115 on Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) on 25 October 2019. Continue reading
EMSA Extends Contract for CAMCOPTER S-100 Coast Guard Services in Croatia
After the successful two-month maritime surveillance services of Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 for the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) extends the contract to the end of the year. Continue reading
John Deere and VoloCopter Introduce Agricultural UAV
John Deere and Volocopter are presenting the first large drone adapted for agricultural use at AGRITECHNICA – a demonstrator model of the VoloDrone equipped with a John Deere crop protection sprayer, which is ready for its first field flight. Continue reading
Hexacopter to Inspect Glass Facades of Skyscrapers
Researchers from the Shenyang Institute of Automation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences presented a drone, designed to repair and maintain skyscrapers, a type of building that is becoming increasingly common in large Chinese cities. Continue reading
Lockheed Completes ATHENA Laser Demo for USAF
Lockheed Martin recently demonstrated its laser weapon system for the U.S. Air Force at a government test range at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where the system successfully engaged and shot down multiple fixed wing and rotary drones. Continue reading