Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new method that gives aircraft a backup system in case GPS fails: An antenna on the ground that can tell a drone where it is. The team successfully tested their system in June. Continue reading
German Navy Selects the SKELDAR V-200
UMS SKELDAR has been awarded a procurement contract through Munich-based partner and prime contractor Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG) for a new, unmanned, airborne reconnaissance system for the German Navy specified by the Federal military procurement agency Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Continue reading
Intel Unveils New Open Standard for Secure Remote Drone Identification
On Wednesday in Oklahoma, the Choctaw Nation Intel flew night missions using a thermal sensor on the Intel Falcon 8+ drone. This application could be used to look for lost cattle, as well as learn more about the habits and tendencies of local wildlife. In addition, Intel performed the first public demonstration of Open Drone ID, an open standard that offers a solution for the remote identification and tracking of UAS. Continue reading
VTOL Swift020 Flies Forestry Mission in Japan
The Swift020 UAS successfully flew over densely forested areas within the Ishikawa prefecture in Japan. Working with members of the Ishikawa Prefecture Research Center for Agriculture and Forestry, the local forest cooperative association and key forestry industry leaders, the flights were held July 23-25, 2018. Continue reading
Komatsu Partners with Propeller Aero on Drone Analytics Solutions
With drones becoming an increasingly common worksite tool, Komatsu has identified aerial mapping and analytics as a key component of their Smart Construction initiative—a range of integrated hardware and software products designed to offer an end-to-end workflow for each phase of construction. Continue reading
Why Planes Don’t Fly Faster
FAA Restricts Drone Operations over DOD Facilities
At the request of its Federal security partners, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is using its existing authority under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations § 99.7 – “Special Security Instructions” – to address concerns about drone operations over national security-sensitive facilities by establishing temporary flight restrictions specific to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Continue reading
Drone Revolution Shakes Up Tort Law
At its annual meeting in July, the National Conference of Commissioners for Uniform State Laws, otherwise known as the Uniform Law Commission (ULC), considered a proposal for changing law across the United States to reflect the impact of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Continue reading