It is well understood that Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) have great potential for civil application, however, in order for Europe to take advantages of these benefits, civil RPAS Research and Development (R&D) activities must be undertaken in full alignment with ongoing ATM R&D activities and meet existing requirements for manned aviation – as described in the Roadmap for the integration of civil RPAS into the European Aviation System– particularly within the context of the European Single European Sky (SES) initiative. Continue reading
Pipeline Security in Nigeria
Namibia Deploys UAS for Anti-Poaching Operations
The Namibian government has deployed three Falcon Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in conservancies to support the anti-poaching operations by the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) as part of a new ‘aggressive’ strategy to combat an upsurge in the poaching of elephants and rhinos.
UAS Could Limit Fertilizer Flow into Lake Erie
A toxic algae bloom in Lake Erie this summer left the city of Toledo, Ohio, without drinking water for three days. Now environmentalists and farmers are working to prevent future blooms by evaluating fertilizer use in hopes of cutting excess runoff. In the aftermath of the water quality emergency that plagued Lake Erie last month, some residents who live along its shores are calling for solutions. And they are looking outward, to the countryside.
Polish UAV Producers Target Domestic Sales
Poland’s MSPO defence show in Kielce saw several local companies exhibit new unmanned air systems (UAS) for the first time, as they pursue emerging requirements with the nation’s armed forces.
US Air Force Thunderbirds History Video
This video recaps the history of the US Air Force Thunderbirds. The Air Force Thunderbirds performed its first public flyover of 2014 at the opening of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 1.
UAS Examine Quake Damage in Napa valley
Researchers from UC San Diego’s structural engineering department are using drones to capture unique views of the earthquake damage to Napa’s historic landmarks. Continue reading
City of Cape Town to Test UAS
Last week, JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, said in a meeting with the police that the City aims to test drones within the next two months. He said that different departments within the City – Metro Police, Disaster Management, Fire and Rescue and Engineering departments – have had to spend money on hiring helicopters for aerial surveillance. The acquisition of a drone (for around R600 000) could be more cost-effective. Continue reading

