ING Robotic Aviation has announced the launch of the next version of its Serenity fixed wing robotic aircraft system equipped with a wide area rapid mapping capability. Continue reading
China Develops Anti-drone Laser
China has successfully tested a homemade laser defence system specially targeting small-scale UAS flying at low attitude. The machine is able to shoot down various small aircraft within a two-kilometer radius and can do so in five seconds after locating its target, said a statement released Sunday by the China Academy of Engineering Physics, one of the system’s co-developers. Continue reading
Researcher Studies Humpback Whale Health by UAS
An Australian researcher is using inexpensive drones to discover why the health of whales, off the coast of Australia, is deteriorating. Griffith University researcher Dr Jan-Olaf Meynecke told Mashable collecting bacteria, and at a later stage, DNA from viruses, will help to establish a baseline understanding of respiratory infections in the humpback whales. Continue reading
Australia Needs a National Drone Strategy
Australia needs a national strategy that links development of its unmanned aerial systems industry to the requirements of the Defence Department, drone operators have told the government. Continue reading
SkyCruiser is Part Hybrid Helicopter, Part Personal Jet
Krossblade Aerospace Systems in Arizona envisions a hybrid 5-seat transformer aircraft which can also double as a road vehicle, coming with switchblade wings, six rotors and the ability to work as a VTOL aircraft. Continue reading
Pro Snowboarder Creates Autonomous Camera HexoCopter
Xavier de la Rue has been a pro snowboarder since he was 17 and has been world champion seven times. Although he still boards, de Le Rue’s life has recently taken a different course, he tells the audience at the Pioneers Festival in Vienna. He is now also a filmmaker, an inventor and a tech entrepreneur. Continue reading
Camcopter Helps Save 2800+ Refugees in Mediterranean
As part of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) operation Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS (Unmanned Air System) helped to save the lives of over 2800 refugees in the Mediterranean Sea during several missions.
Alaska Researchers use HexaCopters to Find Hibernating Bears
For the first time, Alaska researchers plan to use hexacopters with thermal cameras to detect hibernating polar bears and grizzly bears on the North Slope. The University of Alaska Fairbanks team is working without dedicated funding, but is seeking industry support for the project. For now, they’re relying on UAF resources like the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration. Continue reading