Aurora Flight Sciences is breaking ground in the world of automated flight through its work on the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. On October 17 Aurora demonstrated automated flight capabilities with ALIAS flying a Cessna Caravan through basic maneouvres under the supervision of a pilot. Aurora’s ALIAS technology has now been successfully demonstrated on three separate aircraft, from three original equipment manufacturers, in less than twelve months.
NASA Tests Air Traffic Control System for Manned/Unmanned Flights in Reno
A team from NASA will conduct a weeklong test of an air traffic control system it is developing for both drones and manned aircraft starting Tuesday at Reno-Stead Airport, an exercise that will include flying drones beyond the limits of operators’ eyesight.
Industry Presents UAV Upgrades to UK Royal Navy
As the Royal Navy moves towards retiring its only unmanned air vehicle from service in 2017, industry has presented a number of upgrades to UK-operated systems to try and tempt the service into continuing operations with such technology. Continue reading
DARPA ARES VTOL First Flight for Fall 2017
A bevy of new vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft conceived to take the military beyond the speed, range and altitude limits of helicopters are scheduled to fly over the next two years. None looks more like science fiction becoming science fact than a sort of flying candy crane formerly known as “Transformer.”
US Marine Corps Seeks VTOL Unmanned Aircraft for ISR
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has issued a request for information (RfI) for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). Continue reading
UK MoD and CAA to ‘Test-Crash’ Drones
Drones will be deliberately smashed into passenger jets as part of a radical testing programme triggered by fears of a catastrophe in British skies. Ministers ordered the tests after a series of near misses, some near major airports. Continue reading
FAA Publishes Clarification of the Applicability of Aircraft Registration Requirements for UAS
This document clarifies the applicability of the statutory requirements regarding aircraft registration to UAS, including those operating as model aircraft. In addition, the DOT announces the formation of a UAS registration task force to explore and develop recommendations to streamline the registration process for UAS to ease the burden associated with the existing aircraft registration process. Continue reading
EAS & FAI Respond to EASA Rules for UAS
Europe Air Sports (EAS) and the Fédération Aéronautique International (FAI) have issued the following Response to EASA Prototype Rules for Unmanned Aircraft: Continue reading