The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new fact sheet on state and local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provides information for states and municipalities considering laws or regulations addressing UAS use. The document outlines FAA’s safety reasons for federal oversight of aviation and airspace, and explains federal responsibility in this area. Continue reading
Iraqi Strike Could Boost China’s UAV Sales
Intelligent Energy Hydrogen Fuel Cells for UAS
Intelligent Energy, the energy technology company, announced that it has developed a prototype of a hydrogen fuel cell powered range extender for drones. The range extender offers longer flight time and fast re-fuel capabilities, addressing two of the biggest challenges for manufacturers of battery-powered drones.
Three Miles High: Drones Study High-Altitude Glaciers
About 5,000 meters high in the Peruvian Andes, scientists are mapping glaciers and wetlands in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range with 10-centimeter precision to gauge how climate change will affect the half-million local residents who rely in part on those glaciers for their water supply. Continue reading
Vancouver Airport Launches Drone Safety Campaign
Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) is teaming up with aviation partners to launch a drone safety campaign aimed at highlighting the risks associated with flying unmanned aircraft near airports. Continue reading
New Payload Tests for Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman has scheduled flight tests of three new payloads for the RQ-4B Global Hawk fleet next year. The tests are made possible by the development of a universal payload adaptor jointly funded by Northrop and the US Air Force. Continue reading
Airware CEO is Small Business Innovator of the Year
Jonathan Downey, 32, CEO of San Francisco-based Airware.com, has been named USA TODAY’s Small-Business Innovator of the Year. He was chosen from among 10 finalists by a team of USA TODAY editors and last year’s winner, Porch.com CEO Matt Ehrlichman.
Georgia Tech Tested UAV Swarm
Georgia Tech Research Institute and the Maneuver Center of Excellence have worked together in the past for various academic projects and services, along with agencies such as Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center, said Harry Lubin, chief of the experimentation branch at the Maneuver Battle Lab.



