an independent online news service for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems world
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began issuing Part 107 waivers and airspace authorizations to drone operators starting August 29, 2016, the effective date of the new rule. As of October 24, 2016, the agency has approved 81 authorizations for flights in Class D and E airspace, and has issued 36 waivers of Part 107 provisions to drone operators who applied after the rule’s effective date. Continue reading
The Engineering Center of Russia’s Samara region has designed a prototype of an ultra-light reconnaissance UAV that weighs only 600 grams. It will be possible to launch the drone by tossing it in the air. Continue reading 
Everything that flies must eventually land. Unless, say, it’s an all-electric drone that can recharge while in flight. Researchers at Imperial College London have demonstrated a way to transfer electricity wireless to a flying drone. Even better: they did so building on a concept pioneered by Nikola Tesla. Continue reading
The US Marine Corps envisions the rapid fielding of unmanned systems as a vital component in its drive to revitalize maneuver warfare to counter the development of advanced defensive weapons by potential adversaries, Lt. Gen. Robert Walsh, the deputy commandant for combat development and integration, said Oct. 25.
BrockTek, an engineering and manufacturing company specializing in unmanned systems, subsystems and components, recently introduced a new UAS to market – the STORM – a small tactical UAS that comes as a complete solution to serve a variety of missions. Continue reading
A new drone company has taken flight on Tyneside which aims to save the oil and gas industry millions. Inspect Air, based in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, carries out aerial inspection surveying and photography using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Poway, California was awarded a $310,000,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for logistics support of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft system sustainment operations. Continue reading