China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs has jointly issued a notice about strengthening controls on partial exports of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) starting Aug. 15, triggering concerns over UAV producers led by DJI of Shenzhen, reports the Shanghai-based China Business News. Continue reading
Austraian Operator Begins Nation-Wide Expansion
Private drone operating firm, Australian UAV, announced this week the opening for business of its New South Wales offices. With over 1400 safe and successful flights for commercial and government clients, Australian UAV is fast establishing itself as one of the country’s most experienced civilian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators. Its existing client base includes survey, forestry, precision agriculture, industrial and natural resource management, as well as general aerial photography and filming. Continue reading
Pilot Error Caused Creech Predator Crash
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.