NASA and its partners, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Honeywell International and the RTCA Special Committee (SC)-228, are validating and advancing technologies that will assist the Federal Aviation Administration as they develop the regulations to allow integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).
Paperlike Battery Electrode Developed by a Kansas State University Engineer
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A paperlike battery electrode developed by a Kansas State University engineer may improve tools for space exploration or unmanned aerial vehicles. Continue reading
Australia Post to Trial Drone Delivery
Government-owned Australia Post has announced its plans to trial the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) — or drones — to deliver small parcels around the country. Continue reading
Israel Backs Off New UAV Deals with Russia
Washington has vetoed any further sales of Israeli-made unmanned air vehicles to Russia. For several months Russian companies have contacted Israeli manufacturers in an attempt to reach joint venture agreements. However after checking with the Israeli defence ministry about the potential of formalising any such pact, it became obvious the US administration would be very strongly opposed, and would veto any export license. Further discussions have been halted as a result. Continue reading
AUVSI Study of FAA Exemptions Published
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has released an interactive analysis that finds 38 types of business operations have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly unmanned aircraft systems commercially in the National Airspace System (NAS). According to the report that analyzed more than 3,000 FAA exemptions, aerial photography received the most, followed by real estate and aerial inspection. The report also finds that exemptions have been approved in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Monaco Gets Complete Civil Drone Protection System
Cambridge based radar technology company Aveillant has announced the sale of its Gamekeeper drone detection radar to provide security and privacy over Monaco. As part of a strategic partnership with JCPX Development, the system will be installed at a site in the principality later this year as the core element of JCPX’s comprehensive counter-UAV solution, which as well as the radar element includes high resolution cameras and radio jamming devices.
USAF to Integrate Litening Pod onto Reaper
The US Air Force is to integrate the Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening targeting and designation pod onto the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to demonstrate the capability, it was disclosed on 12 April.
Airbus Group and Local Motors Launch UAS Challenge
Airbus Group and Local Motors have launched a global co-creation challenge to identify the next generation of commercial UAS (drone) technology. The two companies are inviting amateurs and professionals alike into a joint project that includes a series of co-creation activities, online competitions, open-source projects, and hackathons all focused on designing a next-generation commercial UAS solution.