The US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is planning swarming tests of its Close-In Covert Autonomous Disposable Aircraft (CICADA) MK5 from a US Navy P-3 Orion aircraft. Continue reading
Sweden Bans CybAero Export to China
CybAero has received a recall of a previously issued export license from the ISP – The Inspectorate of Strategic Products. The export authorization referred to a helicopter system for demonstration flights in China with the end customer AVIC.
Marsupial Robot for Explosive Situations
It’s a shame that drones don’t work so hot indoors. After all, they’d be immensely useful for, say, decommissioning chemical and energy plants by providing a view of overhead pipes and such that terrestrial rovers can’t reach. Rescue roboticist Robin Murphy of Texas A&M may have solved this problem—with marsupials. Continue reading
FAA Will Release Maps to Speed up Drone Authorization Applications
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to release the first set of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) facility maps on April 27. The maps will depict areas and altitudes near airports where UAS may operate safely. Continue reading
Ars Electronica SPAXELS Flying at Rock in Rio
Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are among the superstars who’ve been booked for Rock in Rio 2017, one of the world’s largest annual rock music events. And this year, in addition to the class acts on stage, the entertainment lineup also includes a Rock in Rio premiere: a drone show in a class of its own. Continue reading
USAF Details Role of Predator and Reaper in Syria
The US Air Force (USAF) has revealed details of the roles undertaken by the service’s General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GAASI) MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in liberating the Syrian city of Manbij from the Islamic State. Continue reading
3D Printing Improves Battery Life of Crop Dusting UAV
Italian drone company Soleon has been using 3D printing to reduce the weight of drone components, improving the efficiency of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). One of its latest products, SoleonAgro, is an agricultural pest control drone with a laser sintered polyamide body. Continue reading
Global Hawks to Deploy to Japan
The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy five RQ-4 Global Hawks and approximately 105 personnel, currently based at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Yokota Air Base, Japan, from May to October 2017. Continue reading