Elbit Systems has developed the Skylark 3, a new autonomous mini-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), best suited for brigades and divisions in “beyond the next hill” reconnaissance, counterinsurgency and force protection missions, as well as for use in a range of civil applications, such as border and coastal security and anti-terror operations. The new system has already been selected by an undisclosed customer.
Schiebel Camcopter S 100 – Successful Flights with Airborne Detect and Avoid System
Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Air Force conducted a series of at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. The AIRICA (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) project marks a major step forward in the process of safe integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into all classes of airspace.
UAE Drones for Good Award Winners Announced
The winners of the second UAE Drones for Good Award and the first UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good, the world’s biggest awards in civilian applications of drones and robotics technology, were announced in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and international dignitaries and experts as well a large gathering of visitors at the conclusion of a three-day competition event at Dubai Internet City.
FAA Updates DC-Area Unmanned Aircraft Procedures
The Federal Aviation Administration has updated its conditions for flying unmanned aircraft in the area between 15 and 30 miles from Washington, D.C. to clarify differences for various types of unmanned aircraft. As of 12:01 a.m. EST, Wednesday, February 10, the operating procedures will allow model aircraft, commercial and public users to operate in the outer ring of the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) under specific conditions. Continue reading
Flying Training Squadron Doubles RPAS Pilot Class Size
The 558th Flying Training Squadron ramped up efforts to double the remotely-piloted aircraft pilot ranks with the start of its first 24-person class Jan. 11 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The larger class sizes are part of on-going initiative announced by the Air Force in 2015 to increase the number of career remotely-piloted aircraft pilots across the service.
Transport Canada to Introduce New UAV Guidelines
Transport Canada is preparing to introduce new guidelines for the operation of unmanned air vehicles similar to those being proposed in Europe. Continue reading
NASA/NOAA Partner to Collect Data on El Niño Storms
Meteorologist Mike Boyce ventured out to Edwards Air Force base to attend a news conference that explores the NASA/NOAA partnership in studying El Nino weather patterns in the Eastern Pacific. Mission scientists and staff were present to tour the flight mission control center and the unmanned Global Hawk Aircraft. Continue reading
Solid Hydrogen Powered UAV Completes First Flight
Cella Energy’s hydrogen-fuelled battery replacement system has successfully powered an unmanned aerial vehicle, replacing lithium-ion batteries with a safer and higher performance technology based on hydrogen storage.