The FAI has ratified a duration world record for a unique experimental unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The VA001, an unmanned aircraft that looks like a glider but is powered by a diesel engine, successfully flew for 55hrs 56mins non-stop and without re-fuelling on 2 December 2016. Continue reading
Swarm Intelligence Key to Successful Drone Operations
Using swarm intelligence may be a way to combat many of the challenges faced by drone operators, both in business and by governments, according to a group of academics. Continue reading
AUVSI and the National Council on Public Safety UAS Announce Partnership
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the National Council on Public Safety UAS (NCPSU) have entered a partnership to encourage and promote the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by public safety agencies. Continue reading
Messerschmitt Me-163B Komet Testing During WWII
The Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet, designed by Alexander Lippisch, was a German rocket-powered fighter aircraft. It is the only rocket-powered fighter aircraft ever to have been operational and the first piloted aircraft of any type to exceed 1000 km/h (621 mph) in level flight. Continue reading
Trump Pets Predator at Border Patrol Station in Arizona
President Trump was spotted petting a large U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone during his tour of the Yuma Border Patrol Station in southern Arizona on Tuesday. Continue reading
GA-ASI’S Flight Test and Training Center Opens New Hangar
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) held a grand opening event on August 21st. for its new hangar at the Grand Sky Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Business Park near Grand Forks, North Dakota. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of GA-ASI’s new Flight Test and Training Center (FTTC) hangar. Continue reading
Israel Air Force Declares Full Operational Capability of Upgraded Hermes 900 “Kochav”
The Israel Air Force has declared full operational capability of its upgraded Elbit Systems Hermes 900 “Kochav” unmanned aerial vehicle on Wednesday, after a lengthy series of tests performed by the IAF’s flight-test squadron. Continue reading
Norfolk Southern Completes 64 Bridge Inspections
Norfolk Southern has one of the most comprehensive drone-based railroad bridge inspection programs in the nation, recently surpassing more than 100,000 linear feet. To conduct this safety-critical task, NS in early 2016 contracted with Virginia Beach, Va.-based HAZON Solutions, a leading U.S. developer of small, unmanned systems operations, capability development, training, safety and testing programs for drone inspection services.



