New Israeli surveillance drones ordered by the Swiss army will not be delivered until the end of 2024. Continue reading
FAA to Add Powered Lift to Air Carrier Aircraft Categories
The FAA signed a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) document on November 21st that adds a “powered lift” aircraft to the existing types of air carrier operations, a move that would set the stage for air carrier regulations that would apply specifically to eVTOL and aerial mobility aircraft in the future. Continue reading
Lockheed Martin and Rafael to Collaborate on High-Energy Laser System
Lockheed Martin and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Ltd., of Israel, have signed a teaming agreement that includes jointly developing, testing and manufacturing High Energy Laser Weapon Systems (HELWS) in the U.S. and Israel. Continue reading
Japan Allows BVLOS Drone Flights Over Residential Areas
The Japanese government has eased regulations to allow “level-4” drones flights in which the pilot operates an unmanned aerial vehicle over residential areas without a direct line of sight. Continue reading
Russia’s Iranian Drones Don’t Like the Cold in Ukraine
Yevheniy Sylkin, a spokesman for the commander of the Joint Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for Strategic Communications, suspects that Russians are less likely to use Iranian drones since they are sensitive to frost. Continue reading
Israel’s Drone Fleet Back to Service After Faulty Part Replaced
The Israeli Air Force has announced that it had returned a fleet of armed drones to service following a crash in southern Israel last month. Continue reading
Europe Buys Chinese Drones, Even as US Expresses Data Concerns
As the United States panics about China’s dominance in the global drone industry, Europe has barely blinked. Continue reading
GA-ASI Gets $8M DARPA ‘Liberty Lifter’ Contract
DARPA has tapped General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to work on its “Liberty Lifter” program, a relatively new initiative aimed at transforming the military’s airlift and sealift capabilities. Continue reading