Northwest UAV has announced the completion of over 100 hours of rigorous flight testing with the NW-44 engine, setting a new altitude record for small normally aspirated unmanned propulsion systems in the process. Continue reading
First Annual Bridger Cup Competition Bozeman, Montana – September 18 and 19
Ascent Vision Technologies and the City of Bozeman have announced the first annual Bridger Cup, a drone competition, exhibition and celebration to be held September 18th and 19th in Bozeman, Montana.
FAA Releases B4UFLY App Beta Test for UAS Users
On Friday August 28t, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released the beta version of a new smartphone application called “B4UFLY” for testing by up to 1,000 unmanned aircraft users.
The B4UFLY app, aimed primarily at model aircraft enthusiasts, is designed to give users information about restrictions or requirements in effect at their current or planned flight location. The FAA expects the beta test will yield valuable data on how well B4UFLY functions, as well as uncovering any software bugs.
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta first announced the initiative in May, asking for volunteers to test the app. The FAA has notified those who previously signed up and will be pushing the app to them directly in the coming days.
Many unmanned aircraft users today have little or no aviation experience, and some of them are flying where they could endanger manned aircraft. B4UFLY will give these flyers the tools and knowledge they need to operate safely. Continue reading
Drone Zone at National Championship Air Races
Building on the success of last year’s challenge, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will host the second annual small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) Challenge at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nev., Sept. 16-20.
Paper Plane Gets 333 Exemption
In a possible sign of how seriously FAA is taking unmanned aircraft operations in national airspace — or maybe just a sign of how absurd matters have gotten — the FAA has approved the first ever toy powered paper airplane to fly commercially in U.S. airspace. Continue reading
EHANG Raises $42M in Series B Financing
EHANG announced that it has raised $42 million in series B financing. Led by GP Capital, and with participation from GGV Capital, ZhenFund, Lebox Capital, OFC and PreAngel, the move drives the valuation of the Chinese drone startup 100 times higher than 16 months ago when it was established.
Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapons System
Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapons System harnesses directed energy on its targets. Continue reading
Skycatch Lands $22M New Funding
Drone developer Skycatch Inc. has landed $22 million in new funding. The company is still raising its funding, and it has a target of $25 million, according to a regulatory filing. Continue reading