Thales’ new modular Watchkeeper X system reflects a growing need for high-end military-standard Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capability to wider markets.
Ikhana in Third Phase of NASA UAS Flight Testing
The Ikhana UAS soars over the Mojave Desert during a flight from NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, California.
Credits: NASA Photo / Carla Thomas
Evolving technologies necessary for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to safely avoid other aircraft while moving through the nation’s skies recently were put to the test using NASA’s remotely piloted Ikhana aircraft. Continue reading
FAA and Aeros Reach Agreement on Plan for Certification of 40E Sky Dragon
Worldwide Aeros Corp. (Aeros), a California manufacturer of airships and aerostats operating with a FAA Production Certificate, announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Aeros have reached agreement on the plan for certification of Aeros’ latest airship, the ‘40E Sky Dragon.’
Mapps Fall Policy Conference at Drone World Expo
MAPPS, the trade association of private sector geospatial firms, will be co-locating its Fall Policy Conference at Drone World Expo, November 17-18 at the San Jose Convention Center. The conference will kick off with a presentation on What You Need to Know Before Starting Up Your Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Department. Continue reading
New Shareholder for CybAero
Swedish unmanned helicopter company CybAero has gained a new shareholder. Subversive Capital, a US fund, has acquired the remainder of California-based AeroVironment’s CybAero holding.
Fire Scout Makes 11 Hour Long-Range Flight
The MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter has made an 11-hour, long-range flight. During an endurance demonstration from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, the Fire Scout flew 150 miles and 11 hours on a planned 10-hour flight, and still had an hour’s fuel in reserve, according to a Northrop Grumman announcement. Continue reading
Robotic Landing Gear for Helicopters
Helicopters are incredibly manoeuvrable in the air, but during landing and takeoff their traditional skid- and wheel-based landing gear requires stable, flat surfaces—surfaces that are often unavailable in helicopter-needy environs such as forward operating areas, ships at sea and natural-disaster zones. Having the ability to land on and take off from angled, irregular and moving surfaces would greatly expand the effectiveness of helicopters across many military and national security missions. Continue reading
PreNav Beta-Testing Drone-Based Inspection System
Big IT companies have largely been mum on plans to use drones, but emerging technology from Bay-area startup PreNav appears to have at least intrigued wireless service providers and cell phone tower operators. Continue reading