General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has announced two contracts in support of GA-ASI’s new RPA Training Academy in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
GPS Anti-Jam Technology on Schiebel CAMCOPTER
NovAtel’s compact GAJT anti-jam antenna is now on-board Schiebel’s revolutionary CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS). Schiebel, the Vienna-based manufacturer focused on the development, testing and production of the state-of-the-art CAMCOPTER S-100UAS, as well as innovative mine detection equipment, is a long-time customer of NovAtel’s high precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning technology. Continue reading
Air Tractor Enters UAS Market
Crop-spraying specialist Air Tractor, Inc. has announced its expansion into the field of unmanned aerial systems. The recent acquisition of Hangar 78 UAV, and its flagship aircraft, the Yield Defender unmanned aerial system (UAS) will create the foundation of Air Tractor’s development and visionary integration of unmanned technology to complement its core agricultural and fire-fighting aircraft lines.
Silent Falcon Completes Oil and Gas UAS Inspection in New Mexico
Silent Falcon UAS Technologies has announced that the solar electric Silent Falcon Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) successfully performed flights to demonstrate the effectiveness of using the Silent Falcon to inspect and monitor oil and gas production and distribution assets. Continue reading
FAA Quizzes Disney on Proposed Drone Exemption
The Federal Aviation Administration has responded to Disney’s request for an exemption under Section 333, permitting the company’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for theme park entertainment. After a period of time soliciting comments from the public — 12 in all, most decidedly against granting Disney the exemption — the FAA has responded, but with a series of questions seeking more clarification on Disney’s intents and implementation. Continue reading
Automated Charging Stations Enable Continuous UAS Deployment & Monitoring
Drones are already making headlines about how they can dramatically cut costs for one-off inspections. Replacing $2000/hr helicopter surveys, accessing hard to reach areas, inspecting hazardous locations or rapidly surveying large areas have all provided huge time and cost savings through the use of drones. However, the cost of deploying 100 drones each with a trained & certified operator is around a $10M/year excluding logistics costs.
Portugal to Buy Mini-UAS
The Portuguese Ministry of National Defence (MND) has authorised the country’s army to launch a procurement programme for tactical mini-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Continue reading
PG&E Testing UAS to Inspect Electric and Gas Infrastructure
Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is testing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, to enhance the safety and reliability of its electric and gas service. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized PG&E to use drones to assist with inspections of electric and gas infrastructure. Continue reading