In Peru, unmanned aircraft are being used to monitor crops and study ancient ruins.They are equipped with a microcomputer, a GPS tracker, a compass, cameras and an altimeter, and can be easily programmed by using Google Maps to fly autonomously and return to base with vital data. Continue reading
Unmanned K-Max Gets Cleverer
Lockheed Martin and Kaman have demonstrated new capabilities for the K-Max unmanned cargo helicopter under the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate’s Autonomous Technologies for Unmanned Air Systems (ATUAS) programme. Continue reading
Indian Student Builds UAS Bomber for £400
A 21-year-old computer science student in India has come up with a design for an unmanned bomber aircraft made of scrap metal and costing £400. The unmanned aircraft cost Subhanjan Saha about £610 (60,000 Indian rupees) and he is hoping the Indian army will buy his design. Continue reading
Russian Defence Ministry’s Innovation Day Fair in Moscow
Cutting-edge military equipment and hardware – some of it too secret for the public eye – was featured at the Russian Defence Ministry’s Innovation Day fair in Moscow. Androids, UAS prototypes, and thin impenetrable armour were revealed to visitors. Continue reading
Burning Man Festival Issues Rules for Flying UAS at Event
Participants flying unmanned aircraft systems at the Burning Man Festival (August 26 – September 2) have developed a set of best practices for flying at Black Rock City this year. The best practices came out of a July 17 “Drone Summit” at Burning Man headquarters that had 40 in attendance and an estimated 100 on a teleconference. Continue reading
Official Launch of 3D Robotics Semi-Pro Quadcopter
3D Robotics (3DR) has announced the availability of Iris, an advanced quadcopter with full GPS-guided autonomous capabilities. Designed to provide an “out-of-the-box” flying experience, Iris aims to bring the power of professional grade aerial robotics to the mass market. Continue reading
Northrop Grumman X-47B UCAS – Aviation History Video
Northrop Grumman just posted this 4 minute-plus video trumpeting its recent achievements with the X-47B UCAS – successful takeoff and land from the deck of a moving aircraft carrier. It links the take-off and touch-and-go sequences in May with July footage of arrested landings in July. Continue reading
Ice Protection Specialists Focus on Unmanned Aircraft
CAV Ice Protection’s engineering staff, recently relocated to New Century Airport, are increasing focus on the company’s expertise in developing ice protection for unmanned flight. Continue reading