When it comes to flight, nature just has the edge on engineers. This is according to a study comparing hummingbirds with one of the world’s most advanced micro-helicopters. Researchers found that – in terms of the power they require to lift their weight – the best hummingbird was over 20% more efficient than the helicopter.
UAS as Construction Inspectors
The small craft, barely a metre across, works its way up to the 11th floor, examining the façade for such damage as chipped or crumbling concrete, defective joints and the like. Keeping about two metres from the façade, the robot is on an inspection tour of the building. It’s equipped with a high-resolution digital camera that takes detailed images of each part of the building. In this case, the work is being done in Saarbrücken, Germany, and the operator is Christian Eschmann, a researcher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing.
Kansas City Man to use UAS for Search and Rescue
A Kansas City man plans to explore the lifesaving potential of drones. Lance Nash of Hex FX Aerials has been using unmanned aircraft to shoot video of events for the last two years. Continue reading
Israel Blocks Further UAS Sales to Russia
Israel’s defence ministry has ordered all Israeli companies that manufacture unmanned air systems not to begin or continue negotiations for new contracts in Russia. Israeli sources on 4 August said the decision is a result of Russian intervention in Ukraine, and that Washington had played a major role in the ruling. Continue reading
Detroit Aircraft Corp Reborn
There was once a time when Detroit was the center of not only the automotive world, but the aviation world, too. Back in the early 20th century, the Detroit Aircraft Corp produced more aircraft than any other company and owned a number of subsidiaries, including the company that is now Lockheed Martin. The Detroit Aircraft Corp didn’t survive the Great Depression.
Integrated Pipeline & Border Monitoring Solution
Recently increasing threats of terrorism with a potential for large-scale environmental and technological damage, have resulted worldwide in adoption of special national laws demanding the installation of efficient pipeline monitoring systems capable to locate potentially hazardous events such as intrusion, unsanctioned activity or leakage.
UAS in Peru Explore Pre-Incan Archaeological Sites
Archaeologists in Peru are sending UAS into the skies of the Amazon rainforest and the Andes Mountains to study the pre-Inca ruins that dot the country’s more inaccessible areas. The onboard cameras provide researchers with the “eye in the sky” needed locate ruins without making costly and time-consuming treks to Peru’s remote locales as well as helping these scientists create 3-D models of the sites they’re researching.
UAS Flew Inside Buckingham Palace
A model aircraft enthusiast has turned a passion for flying into the business of his dreams by starting a filming and photography company which specialises in the use of drones. While they may be more familiar to fans of spy dramas, Newdigate resident Ben Sheppard has used the flying cameras to make films for production companies and estate agents, and has even conducted a flight inside Buckingham Palace. Continue reading