an independent online news service for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems world
USAA , the United Services Automobile Association, has asked the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to research how unmanned aircraft systems could be used to help improve how quickly it settles insurance claims for its members during natural disasters. Continue reading
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $38,907,316 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price order (00057) under basic ordering agreement contract FA8620-10-G-3038 for 62 ground data terminals, 50 MQ-9 C-Bands diplexer kits, spares and support equipment. Continue reading
The Defense Department Inspector General said the US Air Force has not justified its plan to procure 401 MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft, and “risks spending” some $8.8 billion on 46 Reapers “it may not need,” according to a report from the Defense Department Inspector General, released Sept. 30. But, the Air Force says that report is based on old data. “The Air Force is only buying 346 aircraft, 55 fewer than the 401 figure contained in the report. And, we’ve only received about half that number,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Otto, Air Force deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, in an Oct. 2 release.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has received nearly a dozen new applications to allow commercial use of unmanned aircraft over the past week, and it plans to publish draft rules to allow broader use by the end of the year, the top agency official for the programme said on Wednesday. Continue reading
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, has been awarded a $306,133,056 definitive contract for Global Hawk contractor logistic services and sustainment III. Contractor will provide contractor logistics support of the Global Hawk fielded weapon system, to include providing material and services for planning, operations and maintenance support.
SkyIMD is a one-stop source for deploying an aerial surveillance system which usually involves multiple technologies and providers. The company is now promoting a new service using manned UAVs equipped with gyro stabilized gimbals and geomatic cameras pre-programmed to automatically follow GIS (Geographic Information System). The camera systems can be live controlled and viewed from the ground over an unlicensed microwave link. A 6 hour/500 mile duration is more than most drones, yet operational costs are less, and there are no flight restrictions (day/night, IFR/VFR, urban areas, altitudes).
A New Jersey man was arrested after police say he shot down a neighbor’s remote control helicopter. According to investigators, officers with the Lower Township Police Department were called to a home in the 1000 block of Seashore Road on September 26th to investigate the report by a resident that his remote control helicopter was shot down.
A Toronto startup is launching a campaign to send swarms of lightweight cameras into the skies. The PlexiDrone is a small quadcopter with a snap-in socket for lifting a variety of prosumer devices skyward, from point-and-shoots to GoPros. DreamQii, the company behind the PlexiDrone, boasts that the aircraft’s design lets users capture 360 degrees of footage without propellers or landing gear getting in the way. Continue reading