The SESAR Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) and the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to facilitate exchange of technical and programme information between the two organisations. Continue reading
Automated In-Flight UAS Refuelling Tests For Summer 2012
Flight tests beginning in the mid-2000s have pioneered methods for automation in refuelling routines – summer 2012 may see tests of one unmanned aircraft refuelling another. Continue reading
US Federal Register Now Open for Comments on FAA’s Six UAS Test Sites
The FAA has now published its request for comments, including instructions for filing comments, on the agency’s selection process for six unmanned aircraft system (UAS) test sites, in the Federal Register. Continue reading
Electrical Failure Caused Global Hawk Crash in Afghanistan
Photo: US Air Force
In-flight electrical failure caused a Northrop Grumman EQ-4 to crash in Afghanistan on 20 August 2011, says a newly-released accident investigation report. The aircraft crashed approximately 105 nm (195 km) northwest of Kandahar. Continue reading
Use Mothballed Global Hawks For Missile Intercept Say Ex-BPI Programme Managers
An ad hoc team of former programme managers is calling on the Pentagon to adapt the 18 Global Hawk Block 30 UAS, due to be mothballed under current budget plans, for boost-phase intercept (BPI) of ballistic missiles. Continue reading
FAA Asks for Public Input on UAS Test Site Selection
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has asked for public input on the agency’s selection process for six unmanned aircraft system (UAS) test sites. Continue reading
DARPA Cheeetah Robot Runs Backwards* at 18 MPH
This video shows a demonstration of the “Cheetah” robot galloping at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour (mph), setting a new land speed record for legged robots. The previous record was 13.1 mph, set at MIT in 1989. Continue reading
Thales 2011 Annual Results – Revenues Stable, Return to Profit
The Board of Directors of Thales met on March 6 to close the financial statements for 2011. Continue reading