Researchers from the mechanical engineering lab at Stanford University working with researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, they have figured out how to enable a quad-copter drone to stick a landing — at any angle — much like a flying gecko or a bat. Without any kind of suction or sticky, the flying robot can now perch on a slippery surface. Continue reading
Oddities from the AUVSI Show
Here’s a look at some of the most interesting, innovative and outlandish drones at the recent Unmanned Systems 2015 show in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.
Successful First Flight for Orbital’s Next Gen UAV Engine
Orbital Corporation Limited has announced the first flight of a ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (“UAV”) with the latest Orbital UAV engine and propulsion system. The flight test, conducted on April 15, was supported by Orbital and carried out by Insitu Inc., a subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at their flight testing facilities in Oregon. Continue reading
European MALE UAV Study Signed
A plan by companies in France, Germany and Italy to launch a European medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV programme will get a boost today when defence ministers sign a Declaration of Intent for a two-year definition study. Continue reading
Cape Town Police Test Quadcopters
Cape Town tested a quadcopter recently while police carried out a drug bust in the Cape Flats. When arriving at the suspect’s house, a quadcopter with an infrared camera was launched nearby and watched from above. If any suspects fled, hid, or threw weapons or drugs away, the drone captured it all. Continue reading
GAO Report : Need to Improve RPAS Pilot Training
The Air Force and the Army must do a better job training its remotely piloted aircraft pilots, according to a Government Accountability Office report, released May 14. Continue reading
Turkey to Fit Laser-Guided Missiles to Anka
Turkey will outfit its locally-built drones with a new mini laser-guided rocket, the Bozok. Officials said they plan serial production of the Bozok soon. The rocket was designed and developed by Tubitak SAGE, a government-controlled defense industry research and development institute.
US Army Teamed Apache / Shadow Exercise
The Combat Aviation Brigade’s 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment became the first US Army aviation unit to perform a manned-unmanned teaming tactical exercise using its own Shadow (version 2) drones during an exercise dubbed “Operation Heavy Shadow” that was performed April 21-23 in the desert of Fort Bliss.