The US Air Force’s newest aerial target took a major step toward preparing warfighters downrange with a realistic 4th generation replication of what they may face on the battlefield. The first unmanned QF-16 Viper struck down over the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 5 was part of a joint effort between the Test and Training Division at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and the 82nd Aerial Target Squadron at Tyndall.
Russian Navy May Get VTOL UAS
Research and development company Radar MMS is waiting for the Russian Navy to place orders for its Breeze, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned flying radar. Continue reading
3D Robotics Announces Partnership with Intel
3D Robotics announced that it has partnered with Intel in the development of Edison, a new microcomputer that basically gives you PC power in postage stamp size, at an almost universally accessible price. The company has worked closely and for a long time with Intel on this project because the combination of Edison’s incredible power and affordability will lead to truly revolutionary advancements for our company, and for the Internet of Things in general. Continue reading
US Navy Begins Testing Carrier-Based UAS Software
The US Navy has begun testing the software that eventually will control all of its maritime unmanned air vehicles and will initially be installed in the unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike (UCLASS) vehicle.
North Korean UAS Wreckage Found Near Border
The wreckage of a suspected North Korean UAS was found on Monday near a sensitive inter-Korean maritime border in the Yellow Sea, the military said. The wreckage was collected by a fisherman at around 2:20 p.m. while he was fishing in waters near the South Korean border island of Baengnyeong, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
Drone Zone Debuts at Reno Air Races
Thousands of people enjoyed day three of the National Championship Air Races Friday. This year, a new event is becoming a popular attraction. The Drone Zone is a small unmanned aerial system challenge, or better known as a drone challenge. Organizers said the event is a fun way to educate and let people see what this new technology can do. Continue reading
MAPPS Selected for FAA Working Group on UAS
The Management Association for Private Photogrammetric Surveyors, MAPPS, the national association of private sector geospatial firms, has been selected as a member of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) working group on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). MAPPS is the only representative of the geospatial, aerial survey, and remote sensing community on the committee.
UAS Can Greatly Aid Framers
When Steve Morris began building unmanned aerial systems in the late 1990s, he envisioned flying them over fields and collecting data that would be useful to farmers. But after the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, drones became largely associated with military strikes and surveillance operations. Morris said the technology became the subject of contentious political debates and public paranoia. Continue reading