UK based European UAV Systems Centre Limited (EuroUSC) has announced the formation of EuroUSC-Italia a Joint Venture company with Deep Blue S.r.l. based in Rome. The new organisation is now fully operational and is offering the full Light Unmanned Aircraft Scheme (LUASS) to Italian Flight Schools, Manufacturers and Operators. Continue reading
Royal Aeronautical Society Conference
Integrating remotely piloted air systems (RPAS) into civilian airspace in Europe is not going to be easy. Official programmes are many, work is extensive, detailed and ongoing, but anyone expecting an early resolution is going to be disappointed. This was the picture gleaned from a series of presentations at last month’s RPASToday: Opportunities and Challenges conference, run by the Royal Aeronautical Society in London.
First Flight of Predator XP
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. announced the successful first flight of Predator XP, an updated version of the company’s flagship Predator RPA that has been licensed by the U.S. Government for sale to a broader customer base, including countries in the Middle East, North Africa, South America, and Asia. The flight occurred June 27 at Castle Dome Airfield, located at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground Range Complex in Arizona.
FAA on Track to Meet September 2015 Deadline
When Jim Williams, manager of the FAA’s Office of Unmanned Aerial Systems Integration, spoke at the Delta AgTech Symposium at the Memphis, Tenn., Agricenter on Tuesday (July 8), UAS enthusiasts had their questions ready. Continue reading
Black Box Issue Hinders Reaper Sales to Germany
Diplomatic tensions between Germany and the U.S. stoked by allegations of spying are spilling over into German government plans to upgrade the military’s UAS, said lawmakers who sit on parliament’s Defence Committee.
France & UK to Sign MoU on UCAS Study
Britain and France plan to sign a memorandum of understanding for the study of a combat UAS bringing their Air Forces closer to an advanced fighter programme worth billions, defence ministry spokespersons of the two countries said. Continue reading
US Blacklists Hezbollah Agents Buying UAS Components
The United States moved to blacklist a group of companies it said covertly helped Lebanon’s powerful Hezbollah militia acquire components for surveillance UAS.
Amazon Applies to FAA for Permission to Start Test Flights
Amazon wants to start flying its UAS, moving from what some called a PR stunt, to a true delivery business. But to do that, they need to conduct test flights. The company has now formally requested an exemption from Federal Aviation Administration rules that largely prohibit the use of UASfor commercial purposes.