MQ-9 Reaper Performs Multirole Mission in Afghanistan

A U.S. MQ-9 Reaper performed a historic multirole mission in the deliberate air campaign against Taliban revenue sources, releasing four 500 pound precision guided munitions from a single Reaper, effectively destroying a Taliban narcotics facility in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Feb 22. Continue reading →

Samsung Patents Eye and Gesture Control Flying Device

In a recent patent granted to the company, it has come to light that Samsung has patented a drone that can detect facial features, pupil motions, hand gestures, and position of a person and respond in real-time. The device, which includes an integrated display, has four propellers – one on each corner – for levitation and motion, and will also include an integrated obstacle detection system that will help it fly smoothly after automatically detecting and avoiding obstacles in its way. Continue reading →

UAV Turbines Signs $19M Technology Investment Agreement with US Army

Locust USA, Inc, through its wholly-owned subsidiary UAV Turbines, Inc. (“UAVT”), a developer of advanced heavy-fuel microturbine propulsion systems, announced that it has entered into a $19 million Technology Investment Agreement (“TIA”) with the U.S. Army to collaborate in development of an efficient and reliable/durable small turboprop gas turbine engine for propulsion in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) arena. Continue reading →

LiDAR Enables Discovery of Maya Ruins in Guatemala

National Geographic/Wild Blue Media

Teledyne Optech’s Titan sensor was used by the University of Houston’s National Center for Airborne Laser Mapping (NCALM) to reveal extensive Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Lidar technology was able to identify hundreds of previously unknown structures, including raised highways, and complex irrigation and terracing systems. Continue reading →