Scion UAS has completed the first test flights of the production SA-400 Jackal Optionally Piloted Helicopter. The first flight comes after extensive flight tests of the prototype helicopter and shortly after receiving a special airworthiness certificate for experimental research and development for the optionally piloted SA-400 helicopter.
US Navy Turns to UAS for Help with Radar and Communications
Scientists recently launched unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from a research vessel in a significant experiment that could help boost the Navy’s radar and communications performance at sea.
Lehmann Aviation Extends Micro UAS Line with Two New Models
Last November Lehmann Aviation launched the LA100, a small and fully autonomous UAS designed to capture aerial images with a user-supplied GoPro camera. Now the French company is offering two new models that go farther and stay in the air longer.
Solar-Powered Puma AE Achieves Continuous Flight for More Than Nine Hours
AeroVironment, Inc. has announced that a recent outdoor test flight of a solar-powered prototype version of the company’s proven Puma AE small unmanned aircraft system (UAS), operating with the company’s newest long-endurance battery, lasted 9 hours, 11 minutes – significantly longer than the flight endurance of small UAS being used in the field today.
Unmanned Community Making Progress On Airspace Access
Airspace access is the holy grail for an unmanned-aircraft industry seeing wartime demand winding down and looking to civilian uses for continued growth. Progress has been slow, but there are signs a breakthrough is near.
Universities Prepare for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Demand
A growing number of universities have launched or are considering UAS degree programmes, including Arizona State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, and Embry-Riddle, as well as the University of North Dakota and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
NAVAIR Tests GPS Anti-Jamming Device on Small UAS
As part of an initiative to protect GPS technologies on small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the US Navy recently conducted tests to demonstrate how miniaturized GPS protection devices can prevent interruption of this mission-critical global positioning data.
Manning the Next Unmanned Air Force: Developing RPA Pilots of the Future
As a nation, we are in the middle of discussions and debates regarding the current and future use of unmanned systems. Whether it’s the ethical or legal debates regarding “drone” strikes in the Middle East and Northern Africa, or the safety, security and privacy concerns with the use of domestic drones (or unmanned systems) in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airspace, the debate will continue.