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A not-to-scale model of the Jackal concept (foreground) was unveiled at the 2022 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida, 16–19 May. In the background is the Switchblade 600L tactical weapon system, which is being used as a testbed bus for initial Jackal developments. (Northrop Grumman) Continue reading
The majority of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to maintain a stable position and/or to navigate between waypoints. Added to this weakness, any small drone system that relies exclusively on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors to estimate aircraft attitude and which does not fuse data from other types of sensor may be vulnerable to GNSS jamming attacks. Continue reading
The U.S. Air Force’s 89th Attack Squadron (ATKS) was recognized as the MQ-9 Squadron of the Year at an event hosted by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) on May 20, 2022, in Rapid City, S.D. The award is given annually to the ATKS that distinguishes itself through its deployment of MQ-9A Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in meritorious service. Continue reading
At Eurosatory 2022, Aeronautics Group has launched the Trojan – a one-of-a-kind system, which bridges the gap between the need to hover and the need to reach long ranges The new Unmanned Hover Plane (UHP) category is a game-changer, due to its ability to perform aerial missions with pinpoint precision. Continue reading
Most drones need to tilt to move and correct against gusts of wind. Pitch Aero’s Astria, however, can keep itself preternaturally level and stable, thanks to a novel use of cyclorotors that opens up a range of use cases other drones can’t handle. Continue reading
When we think of a drone, the first picture that comes to mind is that of a quadcopter flying in the skies. This stealth drone is somewhat different thought with its helicopter-like aesthetics and swiftness. Continue reading
SpearUAV – a developer of an autonomous, AI-based technology for encapsulated SWARM-based UAS – is unveiling the encapsulated Ninox 103 Sub-to-Air loitering UAS, which for the first time enables launch of sub-marine drones into the air, providing immediate beyond-line-of-sight situational awareness. Continue reading
As the Russian army made its move on Kyiv in late February, the Ukrainian defences enlisted a drone pilot to pinpoint a column of military vehicles approaching the capital from the west. The civilian who took on the task sent his drone up in a field near his house and found the Russian convoy. Ukrainian artillery destroyed it and the drone operator was quietly saluted as a hero. He’s also 15. Continue reading