General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, was awarded a $14,791,291 modification (P00015) to contract W58RGZ-18-C-0037 for Gray Eagle full rate production and ground support equipment. Continue reading
Nordic Unmanned Gets €20M EMSA Contract
Nordic Unmanned has received a conditional letter of award from European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) regarding fixed-wing RPAS (drone) services carrying out long-range general maritime surveillance, with tender name EMSA/OP/46/2020. Continue reading
Israel-Linked Oil Tanker Hit by Iranian Drones
U.S. Navy experts believe a drone struck the Mercer Street oil tanker with links to an Israeli billionaire off Oman this week, the Associated Press reported, citing the American military. Continue reading
Researchers Power Drone in Flight by Microwave Beam
In a study published this month in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, researchers led by the University of Tsukuba have demonstrated wireless power transmission via microwaves for a free-flying drone and determined the efficiency of this process. Continue reading
Insect Inspired Self-Righting for Fixed-Wing Drones
If a ladybug lands upside down, it will use its elytra to balance and then right itself in no timA research team at the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland was inspired to create the same kind of advantage for fixed-wing drones. Continue reading
USAF Looking for Contractors to Build Anti-UAS High-Powered Microwave
Artist’s rendering of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s THOR
The US Air Force Research Laboratory is looking for contractors to develop a fieldable high-powered microwave system that can protect air bases by disabling or destroying hostile drones, according to a solicitation published July 28. Continue reading
British Drone Insurer Flock Raises $17M
Flock Founders Ed Leon Klinger & Antton Pena
British drone insurer Flock has raised $17 million from investors in early-stage funding led by venture investor Chamath Palihapitiya’s Social Capital, Flock said on Thursday. Continue reading
General Atomics Unveils New ‘LongShot’ Aircraft-Launched Air-to-Air Combat Drone Rendering
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has revealed for the first time an artist’s impression of a missile-carrying air-to-air combat drone that it is developing as part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s LongShot program. Continue reading