The MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman Corporation has successfully completed Operational Assessment (OA). Pending final data analysis, the completion of this milestone signals the maturity of the system and paves the way for a positive Milestone C decision. Milestone C will transition Triton into low rate initial production.
DARPA’s FLA Program Takes Flight at 45 MPH
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently tested quad-copters loaded with sensors and cameras at an old hangar set up as a warehouse at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts. The effort marked a first flight test for DARPA’s Fast Lightweight Autonomy program, which is probing how to develop algorithms that could reduce the amount of human intervention needed to fly small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through a congested urban environment. Continue reading
Russia Unveils Anti-Tank Assault Multicopter
Russia has revealed a new concept whereby a multicopter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been adapted to the anti-tank role with the fitting of cameras and a shoulder-launched rocket system.
Lockheed Martin’s Hybrid Airship
Lockheed Martin has recently released this video of its Hybrid Airship on YouTube. With unlimited access to isolated locations around the globe, Hybrid Airships safely and sustainably support a wide range of activities in areas with little to no infrastructure. The airship offers the simplicity of a pickup truck by carrying cargo loads and personnel in and out of remote areas daily, not just certain seasons or only after major road, rail or airport infrastructure is developed.
Wing Loong II Model on Display at Singapore
First revealed by way of an information sheet at the Beijing Aero Show in September last year, the Chengdu Wing Loong II turboprop-powered UAV is being exhibited in model form at the Singapore Airshow for the first time outside China. Continue reading
No Drone Violations During Super Bowl 50
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) appealed to hobbyists to leave their drones at home during Super Bowl 50, and it appears the people listened.
SimActive Wins Royal Thai Government Mapping Project
SimActive Inc., a developer of photogrammetry software, has announced that Loxley PCL has purchased its Correlator3D for a major mapping project in Thailand. The software is used by its subsidiary, Data Mining Co., Ltd., to process tens of thousands of large-format images to generate high-quality orthomosaics. Continue reading
France Defends Patroller Choice
The head of the French DGA defence procurement agency has defended the selection of the Sagem Patroller for the French army’s tactical unmanned air vehicle requirement, insisting the competition was fair and did not dismiss the rival Thales Watchkeeper from the outset. Continue reading