Despite all the hype surrounding the high-power microwave energy weapon known as CHAMP, interest in the computer-frying device assembled and tested by Boeing Phantom Works and the US Air Force Research Laboratory appears stalled. Continue reading
PASSUR Aerospace Launches UAS Traffic Management Integration Service
PASSUR Aerospace, Inc., an aviation business intelligence, big data, and software solutions company, announced the establishment of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) – Drone Traffic Management Integration service. The service is designed to help commercial drone operators become more informed, effective, and collaborative members of the National Airspace System (NAS) by integrating them into PASSUR’s aviation intelligence platform, currently used by the main NAS stakeholders (airlines, airports, business aviation, and the FAA).
FAA Publishes Final Rule on Registration and Marking Requirements for Small Unmanned Aircraft
This action provides an alternative, streamlined and simple, web-based aircraft registration process for the registration of small unmanned aircraft, including small unmanned aircraft operated as model aircraft, to facilitate compliance with the statutory requirement that all aircraft register prior to operation. Continue reading
Reaper Extends Range in Afghanistan
The MQ-9 extended-range Reaper debuted in combat over Afghanistan, launching from Kandahar Airfield earlier this month, officials announced. For the 62nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, efforts to increase those capabilities are in full swing after completing an extended range modification to nearly half of their fleet of MQ-9 Reapers and flying the first ever ER sortie in Afghanistan, Dec. 1, 2015. Continue reading
Roke Manor Develops Communications Payload for Zephyr
Roke Manor has been contracted under the UK’s Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) to develop a communications payload for high-altitude unmanned air vehicles. The system is being developed with the Airbus Defence & Space Zephyr pseudo satellite in mind.
Stanford Software Predicts and Prevents Collisions
The Stanford Intelligent Systems Laboratory (SISL) is part of a broad partnership led by NASA Ames to create an unmanned aerial system traffic management system, or UTM, to manage the expected surge in unmanned flights. “UTM is meant to fulfill a lot of the functions of air traffic control, but it will be in the cloud and largely automated,” said SISL Director Mykel Kochenderfer, an assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics. Continue reading
South Korea Develops Attack Drones
FLIR and DJI Announce Thermal Imaging Drone
FLIR Systems, Inc. announced a new technology collaboration with DJI Innovations. Under the strategic arrangement, the companies also announced plans to develop their first joint product, the DJI Zenmuse XT stabilized camera featuring FLIR’s thermal imaging technology for DJI’s Inspire 1 and Matrice aerial platforms.