Although large Predator and Reaper drones are the face of modern militaries, drone swarms—dozens of fixed-wing drones flying in coordinated formation— could be the future of unmanned combat. Continue reading
US Border Patrol to Test Echodyne’s Drone Radar
Echodyne’s drone-sized radar system has received a vote of confidence – and a $118,721 award – from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Continue reading
Sweden Set to Reverse Controversial ‘Drone Ban’
Sweden’s controversial drone ban could soon be reversed as the country’s government seeks to change the introduction of a new rule that was heavily criticized by media companies and trade associations. Continue reading
UK and France Agree on Interim FCAS Work
The British and French governments have signed an agreement to begin a new interim phase of the bilateral Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.
Farewell, Phantom
The US Air Force bid farewell to the final F-4 Phantom II during a ceremony Wednesday at Holloman AFB, N.M. More than 500 people gathered at Holloman to watch the flight of the final F-4, AF 349, piloted by Lt. Col. Ronald King, the Det. 1, 82nd Aerial Target Squadron commander. Continue reading
FAA Drone Registration Marks First Anniversary
Over the last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made great strides toward integrating unmanned aircraft – popularly called “drones” – into the nation’s airspace. The first big step took place last December 21, when a new, web-based drone registration system went online.
QinetiQ Acquires Meggitt Target Systems
QinetiQ announced that it has acquired Meggitt Defence Systems Limited and Meggitt Holdings Canada Inc. (together “Meggitt Target Systems”) from Meggitt for £57.5 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis.
Intel Acquires MAVinci from European Space Agency
There are thousands of drone companies out there, but Intel has chosen to acquire MAVinci, a start-up from one of the European Space Agency’s business incubators in Germany that has developed an easy-to-use system for land surveillance.