MIT researchers have demonstrated diminutive drones that can zip around with bug-like agility and resilience, which could eventually perform these tasks. The soft actuators that propel these microrobots are very durable, but they require much higher voltages than similarly-sized rigid actuators. The featherweight robots can’t carry the necessary power electronics that would allow them fly on their own. Continue reading
Woolpert Gets Patent for High-Altitude, High-Resolution Topographic and Bathymetric Lidar Technologies
Woolpert has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its “Airborne Topo-Bathy Lidar System and Methods Thereof.” A lidar sensor system was developed by a multidisciplinary research and development team incorporating these technologies that enable the collection of high-resolution topographic and bathymetric data at a higher altitude, resulting in a broader swath than previously developed lidar systems. Continue reading
GA-ASI Avengers Autonomously Send Fused Air Threat Data to Command Center
On November 18, 2021, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) used two company-owned Avenger Unmanned Aircraft Systems, each equipped with a Lockheed Martin Legion Pod, to send long-range air threat data captured passively and fused by an advanced sensor algorithm to a Command Center. Continue reading
Teal Group Predicts Worldwide Civil Drone Sales Will Surpass $120 Billion Over the Next Decade
Civil Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) will be the most dynamic growth sector of the world aerospace industry this decade as nations open their airspace, commercial applications take off, and civil governments adopt systems for new roles in border security and public safety. Continue reading
US Navy Special Ops has Adapted RQ-21 Blackjack Drones to Deploy Smaller Quadcopters
The U.S. Navy has released a picture that shows a payload module for the Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aircraft that appears to give it the ability to deploy a smaller quadcopter-type drone in flight. This module was seen displayed next to others that are clearly designed to hold small munitions or other expendable payloads. Continue reading
Japanese Firm Tests Drones to Eliminate Wasps
A Japanese company has successfully tested drones to exterminate wasps, which previously was considered dangerous work where people can die. Continue reading
Volansi and Sierra Nevada Corporation Partner for US Army Future Tactical Systems Program
Volansi, the Silicon Valley-based autonomous drone logistics company and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace national security company, announced a teaming agreement and partnership in support of the Army Future Tactical Unmanned Systems Increment 2 (FTUAS) Program. Continue reading
Raytheon Demonstrates Coyote C-UAS Effectiveness
Raytheon released new footage showing 4×4 M-ATV-based and fixed palletized launch systems firing Block 2+ Coyote drones, which then defeat a variety of fixed-wing unmanned vehicles at different altitudes. Continue reading

