The Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Association of South Africa (CUAASA) has warned that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could deliver services and create jobs will be effectively grounded if the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) implements its new UAV regulations, impacting service delivery and job creation.
World’s First Fuel Cell Multirotor
EnergyOr Technologies Inc., a developer of advanced PEM fuel cell systems, recently demonstrated what are believed to be the world’s first fuel cell powered and longest ever duration multirotor VTOL UAV flights, flying for a record 2 hours, 12 minutes and 46 seconds. Continue reading
US Defense Department to Develop UK Hoverbike
The dream of a manned, truly functional hoverbike is a step closer to reality after British and American engineers announced a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense to develop and build the vehicle in the States. Continue reading
General Atomics to Provide Radar Sensors for Reaper
Unmanned aerial system (UAS) experts at The General Atomics Aeronautical Systems segment in Poway, Calif., will provide the U.S. Air Force with advanced radar UAS sensor payloads under terms of a $23.1 million contract.
Japan Debates Shooting Down Chinese Drones over Contested Islands
The Japanese Ministry of Defense is considering whether to shoot down Chinese drones if the PLA decides to carry out routine patrols over contested islands in the East China Sea, reports the Tokyo-based Kyodo News.
Homeland Security Tests Drones in ‘Liberty City’
Since late 2012, the Department of Homeland Security has been evaluating small drones for public safety applications. One of the sites for the testing program is an urban obstacle course dubbed “Liberty City.”
Indian Police Control UAV Use
After Mumbai, the Pune city police have now banned the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) —drones for the layman — without seeking prior permission from the local police station. Cops fear that the unmanned aircraft could turn into weapons in the hands of terrorists. Continue reading
Israeli Company Tests ‘Suicide Drones’ for Secret Foreign Buyers
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) completed a series of flight tests of its upgraded ‘suicide drones’ for anonymous foreign buyers, the company has revealed recently. Continue reading