Italy is evaluating the Piaggio Aero P1HH Hammerhead unmanned air vehicle (UAV) as a likely replacement for its air force’s fleet of GeneralAtomics Aeronautical Systems Predator as from later this decade. The medium-altitude, long-endurance type is being developed by Piaggio as an unmanned variant of its twin-pusher P180 Avanti II business aircraft, but is yet to attract a launch customer. Continue reading
FAA Extends Public Comment Period on UAS Special Rule Exemption
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a 60-day extension for the public to comment on its interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft established by Congress as part of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (the Act). The new deadline for comment is September 23, 2014. Continue reading
Can UAS Save Namibia’s Wildlife?
In the span of less than two years, Joe Noci and his wife, Gisela, went from working in the aeronautical drone industry in South Africa to building conservation drones out of their home in Namibia. Their SurVoyeur drones, which the Nocis design and build from scratch, have proven to be effective anti-poaching tools. As a result, Joe now finds himself on the front lines of anti-poaching work in Namibia
UK Sets Out post-2030 Combat Aviation Force Plans
The UK has set out a future combat aviation force structure to meet the country’s post-2030 combat air requirement. In a House of Commons Defence Select Committee (DSC) report published in late July, the UK government sets out a future force structure that includes options for unmanned aircraft, additional buys and upgrades of ordered and current aircraft, as well as a clean-sheet design for a new manned fighter platform.
Arctic Thunder Air Show July 2014
Opening ceremony and U.S. Army Drop with Alaska Joint Forces demo during Arctic Thunder 2014 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska on July 26, 2014. Continue reading
MicroPilot Celebrates 20th Birthday
Stony Mountain company, MicroPilot, is celebrated its 20th anniversary last weekend and Howard Loewen hopes someday — maybe within the next five years — his company might become an overnight success. MicroPilot makes autopilot technology — autonomous flight operating systems — for unmanned aerial vehicles.
UK Launches Inquiry into Civil Use of Drones
The UK’s House of Lords is holding an enquiry into the civil use of drones, to determine whether the conditions are right “for the industry to take off”. In a call for submissions, aimed at gathering expert written and oral evidence as a precursor to its final report in March 2015, the Lords’ EU subcommittee on the internal market, infrastructure and employment said that the increased use of drones throws up “a multitude of questions”.
Details of Ukraine UAV Requirement Revealed
A contract for leased unmanned air vehicle (UAV) services in support of the security mission in Ukraine is expected to be awarded imminently, an industry source reveals. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) recently issued a solicitation for bids which closed on Friday, 25 July. It stipulates the requirement for a turnkey UAV solution for deployment in the conflicted east of the country.