The Israeli air force has issued a tender to select an unmanned aircraft system for training purposes.
AME Unmanned Systems to Cut 20% of Workforce
After years of explosive growth, AME Unmanned Systems is cutting about 20 percent of its workforce in response to cuts in the U.S. defence budget and changes in its contracts.
Founded in 1999 by two Cal Poly graduates in a garage and on a shoestring budget, AeroMech grew to employ about 100 people and occupy about 78,000 square feet of space on Venture Drive. The firm makes unmanned aerial systems that range from hand-launched planes to its flagship Fury 1500, which has a 14.3-foot wingspan.
In 2009, Alabama defense contractor ChandlerMay acquired a controlling stake in AeroMech. In April, the parent firm installed a new CEO and changed AeroMech’s name to AME Unmanned Air Systems.A ChandlerMay spokesman confirmed that the company has “executed a restructuring to account for some contract changes with the U.S. government” but declined to say how large the employee cutbacks would be.
But a person familiar with the company told the Business Times that the layoffs will affect about 20 percent of AeroMech’s workforce, cutting the headcount from 100 to roughly 80. This person also said the affected employees would be eligible for rehiring if the firm wins new contracts.
Source: Pacific Coast Business Times
New Affordable Auto-Pilot from DJI China
DJI (Dajiang Innovation Technology Co., Ltd) in Shenzhen, China, will be releasing the 2nd generation Way-Point based on Ace One platform later this month.
SharkFin Free Mission Management and Control Software for “Point-N-Click” 3-D and Real-Time Management of Multiple UAS and Payloads
AME Unmanned Air Systems has announced the release of SharkFin Basic UAS mission planning software. SharkFin Basic is a STANAG 4586 compliant, multi-vehicle, Core UAS Control System, which also gives full UAS three-dimensional situational awareness.
TiaLinx Launches Phoenix50-H Quadrotor with Sense Through The Roof Detector
Screen Sample of the Occupancy Detected
TiaLinx, Inc. has announced the launch of the Phoenix50-H. The quad coaxial mini-copter system is capable of performing multiple functions such as detecting movement or breathing of a hiding person in a compound from a sloped roof.
Phantom Eye Being Assembled at NASA Dryden
Phantom Eye being assembled at NASA Dryden, minus engines. The engines are undergoing testing at another facility. First flight is expected in early August, said Boeing.
Pentagon Review to Align UAS with National Airspace Integration Plan
US Deputy Defence Secretary William Lynn has launched a review of the Pentagon’s unmanned aircraft programmes to determine whether their requirements to operate in the national airspace are clearly defined and consistent with the department’s new airspace integration plan.
CybAero and Astrium Letter of Intent for Automatic Take-off and Landing Positioning Solution
CybAero AB, Sweden, and Astrium Satellites, part of the aerospace group EADS, have launched a partnership in the field of precise near-field navigation for automated UAS landing operations.