The Dutch Transport Ministry inspectors received 27 reports of accidents involving small unmanned aircraft, or drones, last year, according to a new report. In 2013 there were 15 accidents and in 2012 just eight, the ministry says.
Crowd-Funded Drones for Ukraine
The war in Eastern Ukraine features crowd-funded robots. Labeled the “People’s Project,” a website is collecting donations for people to buy Ukraine’s government weapons for war. In March, they were raising money for a remotely controlled tank and gun turret, which is now 84 percent funded. Now, they’re raising money for a 50-pound drone.
Thales Maintains Strong Presence in European Unmanned Market
Thales, by its own admission, is not an aircraft manufacturer, but as far as unmanned air vehicles are concerned, it is involved in a number of significant programmes throughout Europe. Continue reading
NanoFalcon DigiCam Drone
The NanoFalcon DigiCam is a helicopter-style drone with counter-rotating blades built around a camera. That makes it smaller than your palm.
UAS to Protect Dominican Republic’s National Parks
Modern drones will watch over Dominican Republic’s national parks and protected areas, as the result of a donation from the company Petro Caribe, the Environment Ministry revealed. Continue reading
Drone Racing in New Zealand
It’s the coolest sport you’ve never heard of, and now drone racing is exploding across New Zealand. Two leagues have kicked off since January, with the first national championship already underway, and a trans-Tasman battle planned for later in the year. Continue reading
Urban Aeronautics Prepares for AirMule Free Flights
Urban Aeronautics is continuing flight tests on its AirMule UAV prototype in preparation for free flights, which are scheduled to take place in the third quarter.
Fly4Me Launches ‘Uber for drones’
Cambridge-based Fly4Me hosts a website that connects drone pilots with customers who want surveys, maps, building inspections, and other tasks suited to a drone’s unique perspective. The startup officially opened for business last week, following approval from the Federal Aviation Administration this spring.