In 2013, the X-47B demonstrated the first ever carrier-based launches and recoveries by an autonomous, low-observable relevant unmanned aircraft. Continue reading
Pentagon Office Plans Drone Swarms
High over Alaska last summer, the Pentagon experimented with new, secret prototypes: Micro-drones that can be launched from the flare dispensers of moving F-16s and F/A-18 fighter jets. Canisters containing the tiny aircraft descended from the jets on parachutes before breaking open, allowing wings on each drone to swing out and catch the wind. Inch-wide propellers on the back provided propulsion as they found one another and created a swarm. Continue reading
Israel Wants to Increase Heron TP Endurance
The Israeli air force (IAF) and Israel Aerospace Industries are working to “significantly” increase the endurance of the Heron TP unmanned air vehicle from its current 36 hours. Continue reading
3W International Upgrades 2-Stroke Gas Engines
3W International has now expanded its site by another engine group in addition to the previous heavy fuel engines (HFE). The German engine manufacturer is introducing part of its comprehensive 2-stroke gas engine programme on the company’s reworked web site.
First Drone Delivery to Ship at Sea
Maersk Tankers says that it has completed the first drone delivery to a vessel at sea as part of a test to see whether or not drones can become a part of the supply chain.
Another Aerial Imaging Platform
Straight Up Imaging has announced the launch of its very own unmanned aircraft, the Endurance. The company describes the Endurance as “a powerful, cost-effective, and easy to use professional grade platform that will allow customers to leverage the full potential of aerial imaging.”
Drone Activity in Iran
By Dan Gettinger, Center for the Study of the Drone
The Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman have, for several years, been a nexus for Iranian military drone activity. At no time was this more evident than on January 29, the day Iran claimed that it had flown a drone over an American aircraft carrier. In our review of drone activity in the region, we have found that there are reasons to both doubt the legitimacy of the January 29 video and to believe that Iranian drone activity is more expansive than previously thought. Continue reading
UAE Purchases 8 Drones in Deals Worth $400M
The UAE signed three deals worth more than Dhs 1.47bn (USD 400M) at the UMEX exhibition, including a contract for eight drones.