CyPhy Works Parc hexrotor can stay aloft as long as its services are needed, monitoring its surroundings 24-7 with a gyro-stabilized high-definition camera until its humans owners decide it’s time for a break. Continue reading
Denmark Tests Drone License Plates
The University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and the Danish Transport and Construction Agency are now joining forces to support and promote the development of technological and infrastructural solutions that will ensure the effective and safe use of drones. Continue reading
AgustaWestland’s Sales-Ready Unmanned Rotorcraft
AgustaWestland has given international show debuts to a pair of its optionally-piloted and unmanned air vehicle designs in Dubai.
Drone Strikes Could Cause Jet Engine Failure
Researchers at Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering say drones as small as 8 pounds will have “devastating” effects if sucked into the turbofan engines of commercial aircrafts. Continue reading
RPA Crashes in Afghanistan
A remotely piloted aircraft crashed Wednesday in Afghanistan while on a surveillance mission, US Forces Afghanistan said. The aircraft crashed at 4:45 p.m. local time in the mountains of the Mosahi District in Kabul province, Army Col. Michael Lawhorn, US Forces-Afghanistan spokesman, said in a statement. The Pentagon on Wednesday was unable to disclose the owner or type of aircraft. There were no reports of casualties in the mishap.
Source: Air Force Magazine
China Prefers UAS for Border Protection
To further combat cross-border crimes, the Chinese government has installed more advanced monitoring systems comprised of state-of-the-art radars and unmanned aerial vehicles. Continue reading
Tekever Demos Maritime Surveillance System
Tekever is proceeding with a demonstration of a maritime surveillance system using UAVs for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the European Space Agency (ESA). The Portuguese technology company was selected for the two-year Rapsody project by the two agencies last December. In what it claims to be a first, Tekever will demonstrate the value of using UAVs in search-and-rescue missions, and in monitoring pollution and oil spills from ships.
US Authorises Weapons Upgrade for Italian Reapers
Italy may become the first country to benefit from a recently-relaxed US government unmanned air vehicle export restriction, as it receives authorisation for a potential deal to arm its air force’s fleet of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-9 Reapers. Continue reading