an independent online news service for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems world
In its continuing effort to safely expand and support commercial unmanned aircraft operations in U.S. airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration has now granted more than 1,000 Section 333 exemption approvals. As of today, the agency has issued 1,008 such exemptions. Continue reading
To find out what inspires their interest in UAS and attracts the Advisory Board Members to support Drone World Expo, we scheduled a series of exclusive interviews. Our fourth interviewee is Michael Drobac, Executive Director of the Small UAV Coalition.
Michael has a good understanding of key public policy issues facing the technology and communications industries from his experience working directly for Internet companies on technology and communications matters. He previously worked as head of government affairs for two different technology-related organizations—Netflix and the Online Publishers Association—and served in a senior role at a third, IAC/InterActiveCorp.
Prior to his tenure in the private sector, Mr. Drobac served for nearly 10 years in the offices of three U.S. senators focusing on trade and technology issues. Continue reading
The Department of Homeland Security issued a warning to law enforcement to be on alert for drones that could be used by terrorists after pilots at John F. Kennedy International spotted a third drone in as many days near the runway Sunday. Continue reading
Facebook’s aerospace team in the UK has completed construction of its first full-scale aircraft, called the Aquila, as part of its Internet.org effort. Aquila is a solar-powered unmanned plane designed to beam down Internet connectivity from the sky
The drone industry is diverse, innovative and international. It has an enormous potential for growth with the associated possibility to create jobs. To ensure a safe, secure and environmentally friendly development, and to respect the citizens’ legitimate concerns for privacy and data protection, EASA has been tasked by the European Commission — following the Riga Conference1 and its associated Declaration — to develop a regulatory framework for drone operations, as well as concrete proposals for the regulation of low-risk drone operations. Continue reading
Russia has developed a gun that operates on the principle of microwave radiation, the United Instruments Corporation (UIC) said in mid-June. The new weapon is capable of disabling enemy aircraft, drones and precision-guided weapons such as cruise missiles, according to its creators.
Laboratory tests performed on blood samples flown for up to 40 minutes on hobby-sized drones yielded results comparable to those performed on samples that never left the ground, according to a proof-of-concept study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Continue reading
Northrop Grumman Chief Executive Officer Wesley Bush sees opportunity on the horizon in the military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) market. The company announced its second quarter 2015 earnings earlier today, predicting likely budget constraints in the coming year created by the Budget Control Act and possible further sequestration in 2016. Continue reading