Swiss company SKIVE Aviation AG from Rorbas, Switzerland, has invented the world’s first aerial robot landing on powerlines. Development was supported by the energy company BKW and a patent has been applied for. The aerial robot touches down on the uppermost wire and drives on the wire on wheels. Masts and other obstacles are crossed by flying.
Swiss Parliament Approves Hermes 900 Deal
The Swiss parliament on 7 September voted in favour of an armed forces plan to buy six Elbit Systems Hermes 900 unmanned air vehicles, in a deal valued at $256 million. Continue reading
First Burraq Deployment in Pakistan
Pakistan announced the successful deployment of its home-made ‘Burraq’ UAS in combat, which delivered laser-guided missiles to kill at least three suspected militants in the restive northwest.
NASA Uses Australian Positioning Technology
Australian-based Locata Corporation has announced that NASA plans to install a Locata network as the core positioning technology for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research at its world-renowned Langley Research Centre in Hampton, Virginia.
UAS on Display at Chinese Military V Day Parade
New Chinese army military equipment and combat vehicles on display during the Chinese military parade in Beijing of September 3, 2015, to commemorate the end of the World War II in Asia. Continue reading
Aerial MOB Forms Alliance with Panavision
Aerial MOB — a provider of drone services for feature and TV production — has reached an agreement with Panavision through which the camera and lens systems supplier will recommend Aerial MOB as its preferred drone company in the United States. Continue reading
South Africa’s First SACAA Approved RPA Flight Training School
Gauteng-based ProWings Training is the first flying school in South Africa to be approved by the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) as a commercial remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) training organisation. Continue reading
FAA Approved Commercial Drone Exemptions
The Verge has partnered with the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College to collect data on every commercial exemption the FAA grants. It’s a fascinating snapshot of a fast-growing industry still in its infancy.