A pilot’s channelized attention resulted in an excessive descent rate and subsequent crash of an MQ-9A Reaper Dec. 11, 2014, at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., according to an Abbreviated Accident Investigation Report released on August 4.
USAF Offers $2M Prize For Lightweight, Fuel-Efficient UAV Turbine
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is kicking off a competition to demonstrate a lightweight, fuel-efficient turboshaft engine for unmanned aircraft and other applications with a $2 million prize at stake. Continue reading
Japan UAS Association Issues Safe Use Guidelines
The first-ever safety guidelines for the unmanned aerial systems in the country, compiled by the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association, stipulate where and how to fly the aircraft. They also call on users to obtain the operator’s license to be introduced voluntarily by the association, get damage insurance coverage, and file reports with authorities if accidents happen. The guidelines were announced at a symposium held in Tokyo on Tuesday. Continue reading
Lockheed Martin Tech for UAS UTM System
Lockheed Martin has deployed the first components of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) system aimed to improve situational awareness to UAS operators and pilots as unmanned aircraft begin to enter airspace. Continue reading
Drone Drops Drugs at Ohio Jail – Fight Breaks Out
A drone flew over Mansfield Correctional Institution on Wednesday afternoon while inmates were outside in the recreation yard.
Iranian Air Defence Base Exercises Target Drones
Iranian air defence units in the country’s western regions shot down a hypothetical enemy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) during an exercise to upgrade their capabilities.
FAA Passes 1,000 UAS Section 333 Exemptions
In its continuing effort to safely expand and support commercial unmanned aircraft operations in U.S. airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration has now granted more than 1,000 Section 333 exemption approvals. As of today, the agency has issued 1,008 such exemptions. Continue reading
Drone World Expo – Exclusive Board Member Interviews – Michael Drobac | Small UAV Coalition
To find out what inspires their interest in UAS and attracts the Advisory Board Members to support Drone World Expo, we scheduled a series of exclusive interviews. Our fourth interviewee is Michael Drobac, Executive Director of the Small UAV Coalition.
Michael has a good understanding of key public policy issues facing the technology and communications industries from his experience working directly for Internet companies on technology and communications matters. He previously worked as head of government affairs for two different technology-related organizations—Netflix and the Online Publishers Association—and served in a senior role at a third, IAC/InterActiveCorp.
Prior to his tenure in the private sector, Mr. Drobac served for nearly 10 years in the offices of three U.S. senators focusing on trade and technology issues. Continue reading