Two Perth-based specialist firms in remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) recently joined forces. C4D Intel, who also specialises in geospatial analysis, has formally announced the acquisition of Airbotix. Continue reading
Free Air Traffic App for UK Drone Operators
British startup Altitude Angel has, in conjunction with air traffic control service NATS, launched an air-traffic-as-a-service app for drone operators. Drone Assist “presents drone pilots with an interactive map of areas of airspace used by commercial air traffic”, according to Altitude Angel. Continue reading
UK Invests £100M in Protector Programme
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon agrees £100M contract to develop cutting-edge Protector Remotely Piloted Air System especially for RAF. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. will develop their current drone technology into new cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles for use by the Royal Air Force. Continue reading
Qualcomm Tests Cellphone Networks for BVLOS
One of the main hurdles to drones’ ability to zip around the country delivering packages is a requirement that they stay within their operator’s line of sight during daylight hours. Qualcomm Inc. is working on a solution that’s been right before our eyes: cellphone networks. Continue reading
BAE Systems is Developing a Pilotless Plane
Engineers at BAE Systems have already launched a series of test flights in which the high-tech prototype flies by itself using computers while being monitored by operators sitting 15,000ft below it. Continue reading
Naval Air Systems Command Innovation Challenge
Two Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division teams, Urban Reconnaissance and Situational Awareness (URSA) at Point Mugu, Calif., and Swarm View at China Lake, Calif., have wrapped up their projects for the Naval Air Systems Command’s second annual Innovation Challenge. Continue reading
French National Gendarmerie Orders Novadem NX 70
Novadem will supply France’s National Gendarmerie with the NX70 UAS under a contract announced on 30 November. The company will deliver 19 UAS which will be used by the force for reconnaissance missions. Continue reading
Apple to Use Drones to Improve its Maps Service
Apple Inc. plans to use drones and new indoor navigation features to improve its Maps service and catch longtime leader Google, according to people familiar with the matter. Continue reading