BAE Systems is placing a lot of faith in the terrifying potential for 3D printing. 3D printers could be so advanced by 2040 that they could create small unmanned aircraft the company’s scientists and engineers claim.
InvertiX 400 Quadrotor Can Flip and Fly Upside Down
The InvertiX 400 quadrotor, designed by Bobby Watts, can be flipped over quickly while in flight, and continue manoeuvres while while flying upside down, enabling the operator to engage in some unique aerobatics. Continue reading
Increment 2 Gorgon Stare Gets Operational Clearance from USAF
The United States Air Force (USAF) recently deployed the latest generation of Gorgon Stare, Department of Defense’s (DoD) remotely controlled, aircraft-based Wide-Area Persistent Surveillance (WAPS) system. Designed and built by an industry team led by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission capability business area, the system builds on and integrates lessons learned from both the Increment 1 Gorgon Stare version and other related DoD ISR programmes.
USAF Thunderbirds Practice Flying Display
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 demonstration team fly over Hill AFB, Utah, practicing various manoeuvres in preparation for the Warriors Over the Wasatch air show which took place last weekend. Continue reading
UAS Surveys UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico
Mexican company SkyBótica and the German UAS manufacturer Aibotix have created detailed 3D models of the library and stadium of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). The point clouds with a resolution of up to 5 mm are based on geo-referenced, high resolution aerial images, generated with the Aibot X6 UAS.
Human Error Contributed to Drone Crash Into US Navy Ship
A drone crash that damaged USS Chancellorsville and injured two sailors was caused by a malfunctioning control system and human error, according to a U.S. Navy report unclassified this week.
FAA Approves First Unmanned Quadrotor
The Instant Eye small unmanned aerial system received approval last Thursday from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be used by an energy company, which will conduct research, development and training to see if the system is practical for inspecting infrastructure such as pipelines, power lines and insulators on towers. It is the first unmanned quadrotor to receive FAA certification and may be the lightest aircraft ever certified.
UAS Sighted Near Vancouver Airport
Richmond RCMP are investigating after a drone was reported flying dangerously close to aircraft at Vancouver’s YVR airport on Monday. A concerned citizen spotted the drone, a remote-controlled aircraft, adjacent to the glide path of planes landing at Vancouver airport. Continue reading