The Champs-Elysees was the setting of a mini-air show as amateur drone enthusiasts flew their high-tech toys over the famed Paris avenue in the city’s first festival celebrating the gadgets. Continue reading
NASA Chooses Helicopter for Mars Drone
NASA is now planning on using a UAV in addition to the Rover in order to explore Mars. The reasons are very simple, and parallel the desire to use UAV’s on earth. Having a camera in the air, instead of being stuck on the ground, allows for better perspective to see details of the terrain. And also, avoids the problem that rovers have with negotiating difficult terrain.
Russia Uses GSM Networks to Track Drones
Russia’s newest Rubezh airspace control system is capable of identifying and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles and low-flying aircraft by using GSM networks, Izvestiya reported, adding that the innovative solution could also be employed to assist with rescue operations and to improve fire safety. Continue reading
Drone World Expo Hosts MAPPS Fall Policy Conference
As the FAA’s Part 107 takes effect, there are several opportunities for end users of UAS technology to become educated at this November’s Drone World Expo (DWE) taking place November 15-16 at the San Jose Convention Center. DWE has once again partnered with MAPPS, the trade association of private sector geospatial firms, to co-locate its Fall Policy Conference at this defining event for the commercial applications of UAS technology.
Black Dart Counter-Drone Exercise Expands to Eglin
The 2016 edition of Black Dart, the Defense Department’s formerly classified counter-drone exercise, expands to Eglin Air Force Base this year, in search of more space and more capabilities, including ships. Continue reading
Undercover Operation Prevents Illegal Exports to Pakistani Military
An undercover operation by Homeland Security agents thwarted a Pakistani man’s attempt to buy gyroscopes and other electronics from a Tucson-based company and export them under falsified documents to Pakistan for use in that country’s military drone program.
Judge Upholds FAA Subpoenas Against Flamethrower
A federal court upheld the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) subpoenas of a 19-year-old Connecticut drone operator in relation to YouTube videos showing two drones (also known as unmanned aircraft systems or UAS) modified to carry a flamethrower and a handgun. Continue reading
Robonic to Deliver Third-Generation Launchers to U.S. Army
Robonic Ltd Oy (a subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense) has announced an order for its third generation KONTIO (type MC2555LLR) pneumatic launchers. Under the terms of the contract, Robonic will partner with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. to supply two KONTIO launchers to the U.S. Army PEO STRI (Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation). Continue reading