The UAV Digest: Recent Episodes
The UAV Digest
Archer Aviation has agreed to acquire Boeing’s Wisk Aero, Insitu and SkyGrid businesses in a transaction that could transform Archer from primarily an eVTOL startup into a diversified drone, defense, autonomy and aviation-AI company.
In this special single-topic episode, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof examine why Insitu may actually be the jewel of the deal. The longtime military UAS manufacturer has fielded more than 3,500 aircraft in roughly 35 countries, accumulated approximately 1.6 million operational flight hours and, according to Archer, generates more than $200 million in annual revenue while operating profitably.
That revenue is particularly noteworthy as Archer continues spending heavily while its Midnight eVTOL moves toward certification. Max and David discuss Archer’s latest financial results, its remarkable ability to raise capital, and Boeing’s decision to take a significant equity position rather than simply walk away from these businesses.
They also explore the unanswered future of Wisk’s autonomous Gen 6 eVTOL, Archer’s ZEE aviation AI effort, SkyGrid’s airspace-management technology, Archer Defense and the possibility that all these pieces could eventually form an integrated autonomy ecosystem.
Finally, they consider integration risks, industry consolidation and one unavoidable question for Archer’s biggest eVTOL rival: Joby, what’s your next move?
Max reports from EAA AirVenture’s new Vertical Lift Center, where he gets an up-close look at Joby’s surprisingly large air taxi, the hybrid-electric DTA JP1, SkyFly’s winged personal eVTOL, and Zipline’s steerable delivery pod. His biggest takeaway: advanced air mobility is no longer merely theoretical, and hybrid propulsion is emerging as an important industry trend.
Video of the Week: NYPD drone captures teen subway surfers on video
In the news, two enormous established companies make potentially transformative moves into drones. DoorDash has received an FAA Part 135 certificate and is developing its own delivery aircraft through DoorDash Labs. Max predicts that the company’s restaurant relationships, customer base, logistics network, and increasing vertical integration could eventually make it a dominant force in U.S. drone delivery. Meanwhile, Motorola is using its decades-long relationships with police and fire agencies to enter the Drone as First Responder market.
The episode also examines Archer and Anduril’s military Thunder aircraft, BETA Technologies’ hybrid MV250, Joby’s expanded Virgin Atlantic partnership, and Electra’s planned Ohio manufacturing facility. Federal actions may further accelerate drone delivery and domestic manufacturing. Finally, James City County, Virginia, begins a trial using drones to deliver automated external defibrillators, demonstrating how unmanned aircraft could reach cardiac-arrest patients before conventional emergency responders arrive when every second truly matters.
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EAA AirVenture 2026’s new Vertical Lift Center will feature Joby Aviation, Beta Technologies, Wing, Zipline, and other drone and eVTOL innovators. Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof preview the aircraft, demonstrations, and companies bringing advanced air mobility, drone delivery, personal flight, public-safety systems, and agricultural UAS technology to Oshkosh. Beta is scheduled to fly, while Wing, Jetson ONE, and agricultural-drone operators are also expected to demonstrate their aircraft.
The Video of the Week examines a dramatic drone wire strike after a pilot flies beneath a bridge and encounters nearly invisible wires on the far side. Max and David explain why wires remain a serious hazard for drone, helicopter, and low-flying aircraft pilots.
They then discuss a security failure that exposed San Francisco Police Department drone video through a publicly accessible link. The conversation covers privacy, data protection, Skydio’s approval for one operator to supervise four drones, and Minneapolis City Council’s rejection of a free drone-as-first-responder trial.
Another story features an experimental drone that becomes difficult to see by spinning 25 times per second. Finally, Max and David consider whether one serious eVTOL accident could damage public confidence, restrict operations near major airports, and reshape the future of electric air taxis.
The FAA’s proposed framework for routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations moves closer to publication, raising a controversial question: Could some BVLOS drones receive presumptive right-of-way over crewed aircraft? Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof examine the proposed Part 108 rules, UAS traffic management, detect-and-avoid technology, and the risks posed by low-flying agricultural aircraft and helicopters that may not be electronically visible.
DJI appears throughout the episode. For the Video of the Week: In China, a heavy-lift DJI agricultural drone rescues two people trapped on top of a nearly submerged tanker truck during severe flooding. DJI also tests its winged EV50 electric aircraft near Mount Everest and introduces a parachute system, the Matrice 400, that shuts down the rotors before lowering the drone under canopy.
In eVTOL and advanced-air-mobility news, Electra receives an FAA Part 23 certification basis for the nine-passenger EL9 ultra-short-takeoff aircraft. Vertical Aerospace, however, postpones anticipated certification of its Valo eVTOL from 2028 to 2029.
Additional stories include Zipline prescription deliveries for Cleveland Clinic, an LAPD helicopter collision with a drone, Australian shark-patrol drones, FAA approval for drone-assisted avalanche control, and DJI FlyCart operations carrying supplies and removing more than 20,000 pounds of waste from Mount Everest.
In episode 444 of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof announce that the show is returning to a weekly schedule, then dive into a packed week of drone and eVTOL news.
Video of the Week: Max taxiing by the Archer Midnight during testing at Salinas, CA.
They begin with how aerial robotics supported Venezuela after devastating earthquakes, including bridge inspections, thermal imaging for search and rescue, medical supply delivery, communications relay, LIDAR scanning, gas-leak detection, and traffic management.
They then discuss the Pentagon’s move to appoint a drone czar to coordinate drone programs across the military services, followed by the UK’s major new counter-UAS investment to protect British bases after drone surveillance incidents linked to Russian activity.
On the eVTOL side, Max covers Archer Aviation’s new Salinas manufacturing and test hub, plus a proposed four-airport California test corridor linking Salinas, Marina, Hollister, and Watsonville. David highlights Beta Technologies’ electric aircraft demonstration work in Hawaii with Surf Air Mobility and Hawaiian Airlines, and the two discuss Joby and Toyota’s new manufacturing joint venture.
The episode wraps with Sora Aviation’s subscale 30-seat eVTOL demonstrator and a fun final story: drones dropping one million baby oysters in Galveston Bay.
Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof open episode 443 with their Video of the Week. It's a remarkable Sacramento Sheriff’s Office video showing a drone carrying a magnet into a cluttered house to remove a knife from the hand of an apparently unconscious armed suspect. They discuss the flying challenges of carrying a suspended load indoors and whether the magnet could affect the drone.
The episode then turns to eVTOLs, where a new Valour Consultancy forecast projects a much smaller future fleet than earlier air taxi predictions. Max compares the hype to the very light jet boom that never fully materialized, while David points out the continuing problems of infrastructure, regulation, and public acceptance. They also discuss growing eVTOL litigation involving Joby, Archer, Vertical Aerospace, and Wisk, and compare it to historic patent fights in early aviation and other emerging industries.
Drone stories include the FAA breaking ground on an advanced air mobility research facility in Oklahoma City, hundreds of unauthorized drone flights around World Cup-related TFRs, and NASA’s drone transport test using a non-viable human kidney. Both encourage listeners to register now to become an organ donors at RegisterMe.org. They also discuss a drone flown into a tornado, Flock Safety adding drones to license plate camera systems, Irvine police using a drone to find a shoplifter, and Ohio’s first commercial drone-delivered deli lunch.
Can American drone technology compete with DJI? In this episode of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof talk with Mike Horton, CEO and co-founder of HYFIX Spatial Intelligence, about U.S.-made drone chips, AI drones, RTK GPS, and the HYFIX H1D drone module.
Mike explains that one of DJI’s biggest advantages is deep electronics integration. Many American drone manufacturers still build drones from separate components: flight controllers, companion computers, radios, IMUs, motor-control boards, GNSS receivers, and AI processors. That approach can work, but it adds weight, cost, complexity, power consumption, and time to market. Mike says DJI’s integrated drone technology helps explain why small, capable DJI drones are so difficult for U.S. companies to match.
The conversation then turns to HYFIX’s H1 chip family, including the H1P positioning and flight-control module and the H1D, which Mike describes as a more complete drone module supporting long-range video, RTK precision positioning, dual-antenna GNSS heading, AI capability, PX4, ROS 2, and GPS-denied visual inertial odometry.
They also discuss U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, drone-in-a-box systems, LEO satellite tracking, FCC rules for tiny Chinese toy drones, and how large drone shows use RTK corrections.
In this episode of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof cover a wide range of drone, UAS, counter-drone, and eVTOL stories. They begin with their video-of-the-week: an unusual drone-assisted police story from Louisiana, where officers used a drone to locate a fleeing suspect after he was bitten by an alligator in a swamp.
The show then turns to Wing and Walmart, which are adding seven new drone delivery markets, including Philadelphia and the San Francisco Bay Area. Max and David discuss why dense urban areas and apartment deliveries may be harder than suburban drone delivery.
They also look at the Pentagon’s reported $54 billion drone push, including interest in low-cost, disposable drones from former hobbyists and small companies. Motorola’s $1.5 billion counter-drone acquisition leads to a discussion of rogue drone threats around major events.
Safety takes center stage with Shield AI’s V-BAT after two reported finger-injury incidents involving rotating blades. The episode also covers Vancouver police using Skydio drones linked to body cameras, Honda’s first full-scale eVTOL flight, Volocopter’s light-sport eVTOL plans, BETA’s CTOL strategy, and a feel-good Ukrainian drone rescue of a cat and four kittens.
Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof cover a packed week of drone and eVTOL news, starting with Eve Air Mobility’s latest hover and low-speed flight testing. They discuss how Eve’s Embraer connection and fixed-lift-rotor design differ from Archer and Joby, and why eVTOL certification, infrastructure, and public acceptance may be harder than the aircraft technology itself.
The episode also looks at Archer and Joby’s plans to begin commercial air taxi operations, including the challenge of moving from flight-test success to real-world passenger service. Max and David then shift to drones, including FAA no-drone zones for the FIFA World Cup, possible $100,000 fines, and New York City’s $6.5 million investment in drone mitigation equipment.
They also discuss DJI’s independent security assessment, the potential impact of U.S. restrictions on public safety agencies and drone businesses, and the Department of Defense’s directed-energy counter-drone program using lasers and high-powered microwave systems.
The episode wraps with two unusual drone stories: the Vivid Sydney drone show failure that sent dozens of drones into Darling Harbour, and a Reddit story about a drone returning with a swarm of bees.
David Vanderhoof returns to UAV News Talk after a six-month medical hiatus, joining Max Trescott for a wide-ranging discussion of drones, counter-UAS challenges, and the future of eVTOL air taxis.
Max and David begin with David’s kidney transplant story and his return to the American Helicopter Museum, then move into the Air Force’s planned retirement of the MQ-9 Reaper and the military’s shift toward cheaper, attritable drones. They discuss Shahed-style drones reportedly heading to Cuba, their potential range, and why that raises uncomfortable echoes of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The episode then turns to counter-drone security, including FBI preparations for the 2026 World Cup, the difficulty of protecting stadiums, and a drone report near the Dumbarton Bridge at 4,200 feet near San Francisco arrival traffic. Max and David explain why detecting a drone is often easier than safely stopping one.
On the eVTOL side, they discuss Archer and Joby air taxi predictions, powered-lift pilot training, New York vertiport infrastructure, and the estimated $16.6 billion advanced air mobility infrastructure gap. The episode closes with a Florida couple accused of burning a neighbor’s DJI drone, proving once again that drone privacy disputes can get expensive fast.
Max Trescott talks with David Hall, founder and CEO of Velodyne Space, about a new approach to counter-UAS defense that focuses on capturing drones using LiDAR, nets, and parachutes instead of destroying them.
Hall begins by explaining LiDAR—Light Detection and Ranging—and how it measures distance by timing how long it takes for pulses of light to travel out and return. While LiDAR has existed for decades, Hall describes how his work during the DARPA Grand Challenge helped transform LiDAR from slow, single-beam mapping tools into spinning, multi-beam systems capable of real-time 3D perception. Those systems made it possible for autonomous vehicles to reliably understand their surroundings and plan motion in real time.
Initially, Hall experimented with camera-based vision systems for self-driving vehicles, but he found they were easily confused by reflections, shadows, and visual artifacts. Writing software to compensate for every failure mode quickly became impractical. LiDAR offered a fundamentally different solution by providing direct distance measurements rather than inferred depth. By stacking dozens of laser beams vertically and rotating the entire sensor to achieve 360-degree coverage, Hall created a top-down, real-time view of the environment that proved autonomy was achievable.
That experience—combining sensing, computation, and mechanical systems—eventually led Hall into the world of counter-UAS. Roughly a decade ago, he began exploring electromagnetic launch technology as an alternative to rockets for space launch. While studying high-power coil-based systems, Hall realized the same technology could be applied to a much more immediate problem: stopping drones.
As drones have become more capable and more accessible, they’ve also become harder to defeat. Hall explains that many counter-UAS systems rely on electronic warfare techniques such as RF jamming, GNSS interference, or cyber takeover. These approaches can fail against autonomous drones or drones controlled via fiber-optic cables, which are increasingly common in conflict zones. Kinetic approaches, on the other hand, risk sending heavy debris falling into populated areas.
Hall’s solution is a capture-based counter-UAS system. Instead of disabling a drone and letting it fall, the system fires a net that physically entangles the aircraft. Once captured, a parachute deploys, slowing the descent so the drone can fall safely even in populated environments. This makes the system particularly attractive for airports, cities, and other civilian infrastructure, where safety and liability are critical concerns.
The system relies on a layered sensing approach. Cameras combined with AI identify drones and distinguish them from birds, while LiDAR provides precise range information needed to time the net deployment. Hall explains that LiDAR doesn’t need millimeter-level precision in this application; knowing distance within a few feet is sufficient to ensure the net opens at exactly the right moment. This combination allows the system to engage drones at distances approaching a thousand feet or more.
A key advantage of the electromagnetic launcher is its rate of fire. Because the launcher can fire multiple low-cost nets per second, it can repeatedly engage a drone until one net successfully captures it. This capability also makes the system viable against drone swarms, which Hall believes represent one of the most serious emerging threats. Instead of relying on a single, high-value interceptor, the system overwhelms the problem with volume and repetition.
Hall discusses the markets most likely to adopt capture-based counter-UAS systems, including airports—where a single drone sighting can shut down operations at enormous cost—prisons facing contraband delivery by drone, border security operations, and large public venues vulnerable to coordinated drone attacks. He also notes that visible counter-UAS defenses can act as a deterrent, discouraging drone operators from attempting incursions in the first place.
The current system is vehicle-mounted, with a turret that deploys from the roof and draws power from an onboard electric battery system. Hall estimates that a fully equipped system could cost under one million dollars, with ongoing costs driven primarily by the expendable nets rather than the launcher itself.
This episode explores why capturing drones with LiDAR, nets, and parachutes may fill a critical gap between electronic and kinetic counter-UAS systems—and why civilian-safe drone defense is becoming an urgent priority.
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Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof tackle an unexpected reversal in global drone production and a growing crisis for the hobbyist drone community. The show opens with a headline few would have predicted a decade ago: Ukraine negotiating to produce drones for the U.S. military.
David explains that after years of battlefield innovation, Ukrainian engineers have become world leaders in low-cost first-person-view (FPV) and kamikaze drone design. The proposal, reported by The War Zone, envisions a five-year, $50 billion program to produce up to 10 million drones annually. These aren’t large Predator-style aircraft but lightweight, single-use drones capable of swarming and overwhelming defenses. Max notes that instead of replacing airplanes, these weapons replace artillery shells, changing the economics and tactics of warfare. Both hosts see the deal as a remarkable symbol of Ukraine’s technical maturity—and a reminder that the U.S. may now be learning from a nation at war rather than supplying it.
The second story turns domestic and controversial. Several California cities used drones to catch illegal fireworks, leading to fines exceeding $300,000 for one homeowner whose show produced 300 explosions. Each was recorded and counted by a city-operated drone at $1,000 per violation. David raises constitutional questions about warrantless aerial surveillance, while Max points out the state’s wildfire risk that motivates strict enforcement. They compare cities such as Brea and Anaheim, which issued much smaller or even zero citations, and wonder how long it will take before courts define what’s legal when drones are used for neighborhood enforcement.
Next, Max introduces a topic from his home state of Pennsylvania. A local hunter used a drone to locate a wounded deer, prompting fines that were later dismissed. A state senator now proposes changing wildlife regulations to permit drone searches for downed game. David, also from Pennsylvania, notes that under current law, using “artificial means” such as a drone for tracking is prohibited. Max jokes that a drone large enough to lift a hundred-pound deer out of the woods would certainly attract attention—but admits it could save hunters’ backs and even lives.
The duo then contrasts Pennsylvania’s reform effort with Kentucky’s new ban on using drones for any hunting or fishing activity. Kentucky allows UAVs only for research, enforcement, or removing invasive carp. David observes that ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma already use drones to herd cattle, highlighting how every state is creating its own patchwork of rules. Max predicts that, just as right-on-red traffic laws eventually became standardized, federal guidance will probably harmonize drone-wildlife laws within a decade.
Humor keeps the conversation lively—Max quips that the FAA’s jurisdiction over fishing would only apply to “flying fish.” But their closing story is no joke. They discuss an article warning that the American drone-hobby industry faces an accessibility crisis. With DJI products banned from federal use and dwindling retail stock, newcomers are finding it harder to buy affordable, high-quality drones. The lack of alternatives, combined with strict FAA rules, could shrink the pipeline of young pilots and engineers who might otherwise build future aerospace systems.
Max reads data showing that high-school drone programs help students master UAV systems within hours once they enter military service. David adds that at his local helicopter museum, “Learn to Fly a Drone” classes remain their most popular STEM offering, teaching kids to handle quadcopters safely and even take one home. Both agree that restricting hobby drones doesn’t just affect weekend flyers—it threatens STEM education, workforce development, and national innovation.
By episode’s end, David’s cold has nearly silenced him, but the discussion leaves listeners energized about the future of drones—from Ukraine’s mass-production lines to the next generation of American technologists. Max and David signs off and remind listeners why UAV News Talk remains the go-to podcast for drone technology, policy, and the people shaping the sky ahead.
Episode 436 of UAV News Talk dives into global security, emerging automation, and the effects of Washington’s budget stalemate on the future of flight. Hosts Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof examine how nations, defense contractors, and innovators are redefining drone policy and autonomy at the same moment that the FAA’s own progress is slowed by the ongoing government shutdown.
Germany authorizes police to counter rogue dronesThe show opens with the news that Germany has approved new counter-UAS authority allowing police to neutralize unmanned aircraft threatening airports and public safety. Max and David debate whether “shoot down” literally means gunfire or refers to electronic jamming and interceptor drones. Max notes that rogue drones have forced multiple Munich Airport closures—172 incidents in 2025 alone—leaving thousands of passengers stranded. David links the policy to Germany’s proximity to the Ukraine conflict, where drone incursions have heightened sensitivity across Europe. The hosts agree that while the measure feels drastic, persistent incursions make formal counter-drone rules inevitable.
Drone-in-a-box systems chase shopliftersNext, the discussion turns to a futuristic retail-security concept: autonomous drones that pursue shoplifters once they leave a store. The hosts describe how “drone-in-a-box” platforms—similar to systems now deployed for school-campus emergencies—could track suspects until police arrive. Max imagines Apple Stores or high-end jewelers using such tools, while David questions cost and privacy implications. They joke about criminals splitting up so a single drone can follow only one thief. The takeaway: aerial surveillance is extending from military to consumer sectors, and regulation will soon need to catch up.
Sikorsky’s fully autonomous U-Hawk - Video of the Week #1In one of the episode’s most popular segments, Sikorsky unveils the U-Hawk, an autonomous variant of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The cockpit has been removed entirely, replaced by cargo-bay clamshell doors for vehicles or supplies. David calls it “a major step beyond optionally piloted,” while Max compares it with Skyryse Aviation’s SkyOS, which retrofits existing aircraft for unmanned flight. Drawing from his own visit to Skyryse’s Southern California facility, Max explains how their flight-automation suite can be adapted to both helicopters and fixed-wing platforms. The hosts discuss potential missions—resupply, firefighting, and hazardous evacuations—and note that Boeing is exploring similar automation for the CH-47 Chinook. The ability to deploy heavy-lift helicopters without pilots, they say, could transform both logistics and combat operations.
Mystery drones over New Jersey explainedA long-running puzzle also gets closure: the mysterious nighttime drone sightings over New Jersey that drew public complaints and congressional attention. New reports reveal that a private defense contractor conducted classified U.S. Army UAS demonstrations, accounting for many of the sightings. The hosts appreciate finally having an answer but point out that such secrecy fuels conspiracy theories and misidentifications. Still, it’s a reminder that rapid testing is happening just beyond public view.
Archer Aviation’s big wins in Korea and L.A.From defense to commercial innovation, the conversation shifts to Archer Aviation’s new partnerships. In Korea, Archer and Korean Air will run urban-air-mobility (UAM) trials, marking one of Asia’s most advanced eVTOL collaborations. In the U.S., Archer becomes the official air-taxi partner for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, aligning the company with the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl LXIX, and 2028 Olympics. Max notes that Los Angeles—with vast geography and hundreds of heliports—offers better infrastructure for eVTOLs than compact, high-rise cities like New York. David recalls the 1984 Olympics’ traffic gridlock and imagines VIPs flying above the congestion in Archer’s Midnight aircraft by the time the next Games arrive.
The foldable Janus 1 “backpack helicopter” - Video of the Week #2Then comes a lighter story: the Janus 1, a foldable, man-portable tandem-rotor helicopter weighing 70 kilograms (154 lbs). You can watch a video of it flying here. It’s essentially a “flying lawn chair,” says David, but one that could aid isolated troops or appeal to experimental aviators. Max dissects its teetering two-blade rotor—similar to Robinson helicopters—for its simplicity and low cost, while speculating that its symmetrical design inspired the name Janus, after the Roman god who looks both forward and back. The hosts agree that even if it never goes commercial, it showcases the creative energy surging through small-scale VTOL design.
FAA shutdown slows eVTOL certificationFinally, Max explains how the ongoing U.S. government shutdown is affecting aviation oversight. Essential safety functions continue, but rulemaking and certification for new aircraft have slowed. FAA engineers, committees, and inter-agency partners are furloughed, delaying type certificates, airworthiness approvals, and BVLOS waivers. David warns that Europe and Asia could gain a competitive edge if the backlog persists. Even after reopening, he says, catching up could take months. Both hosts remain optimistic that Congress will resolve funding soon, allowing innovation to resume.
TakeawayEpisode 436 captures the global pulse of UAVs and advanced air mobility in late 2025—Europe tightening laws, the U.S. pushing autonomy, Asia expanding UAM, and Washington’s gridlock slowing progress. With equal parts insight and humor, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof continue to make complex drone news accessible for pilots, engineers, and enthusiasts worldwide.
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Max talks with David Vanderhoof in Episode 435 of UAV News Talk about an especially busy week in drone, eVTOL, and military UAV news. The episode covers new FAA certifications, autonomous launch systems, solar-powered endurance flights, Chinese technology in Africa, U.S. counter-drone readiness, and even a domestic security case involving explosives and drones. Together, these stories paint a vivid picture of how fast the unmanned aviation sector is evolving — and where the biggest opportunities and threats lie.
AIR eVTOL gains FAA Experimental CertificateThe first headline is the Israeli company AIR receiving an FAA experimental airworthiness certificate for its AIR One eVTOL. This isn’t the final approval needed for commercial operations, but it marks a critical milestone. The certificate allows AIR to expand its flight envelope testing in Florida — flying higher, faster, and with more maneuvering limits than before. Max explains that with this certificate, companies can begin validating systems under real-world conditions and build marketing buzz through legitimate flight footage.
However, limitations remain: only essential crew can be onboard. No journalists, investors, or passengers are allowed until type certification and a production certificate are granted. David points out discrepancies in reported pre-orders — one source cites 150, another 2,500 — and the hosts remind listeners that early order numbers in this industry often need to be taken with caution.
Max ties the discussion to the FAA’s MOSAIC rules for light-sport aircraft, which broaden certification pathways. These rules may make it easier for eVTOL manufacturers like AIR to secure final certification. For UAV enthusiasts and future pilots, this means the barriers to entry are slowly lowering, even if the process is still measured in years rather than months.
Germany’s “Drone-in-a-Box”The second story introduces a “drone in a box” platform from Germany’s Skycar. This portable autonomous launch and recovery system can be mounted on trucks, ships, or rigid-hulled inflatable boats. Inside the box: a drone, charging system, and comms suite. Two models are supported, including the R70 SkyRanger, which can fly at up to 100 km/h.
Max and David highlight how this technology, initially aimed at military markets, could quickly spill into commercial applications. Imagine delivery companies like UPS or Amazon mounting these on vehicles, enabling drones to launch, deliver, and recharge without human intervention. First responders could also benefit, deploying drones at wildfire scenes, active shooter incidents, or rescue operations. Even lifeguards or cruise ships might one day use such systems for rapid deployment of flotation devices or surveillance.
The takeaway is that “drone in a box” technology represents a turnkey UAV ecosystem — plug it into any vehicle, and suddenly it’s drone-enabled.
HALE Solar UAV Achieves 73-Hour FlightNext, the hosts discuss the U.S. Navy and SkyDweller Aero’s successful high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAV test at Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Powered by solar energy, the UAV stayed aloft for more than 73 continuous hours. Max compares this to Solar Impulse’s world-circumnavigation, noting that daytime solar climbs and nighttime battery descents make such endurance possible.
David emphasizes the military significance: persistent surveillance over a battlespace for three days straight. Unlike satellites, which pass overhead only periodically, HALE UAVs can loiter over a target area for extended periods, making them invaluable for ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance).
Challenges remain: the huge wings required for solar panels limit where the UAV can operate, and structural fragility makes turbulence a risk. But the Navy’s test demonstrates that solar endurance UAVs could fill roles once reserved for P-3 Orions or P-8 Poseidons — at a fraction of the cost.
Hang’s First Passenger Flight in AfricaThe show then turns to China’s EHang, which completed its first autonomous passenger eVTOL demonstration in Rwanda. Government officials, including Rwanda’s president, observed the flight. While it was largely symbolic, it underscores China’s push to expand its low-altitude economy influence beyond Asia and into Africa.
Max notes that although EHang claims over 73,000 safe flights, questions remain about how many involved passengers. Still, it’s clear EHang is ahead of U.S. companies in terms of international demos. David adds that Rwanda’s relatively uncongested airspace may make it easier to adopt pilotless eVTOLs than in places like New York or London.
Both hosts admit they’d eventually like to ride in one — but only after many others have tested it first.
Counter-Drone Warfare and APKWSThe next topic is sobering: a new report says the U.S. military is not prepared for large-scale low-cost drone threats like those seen in Ukraine and the Middle East. Expensive systems like Sidewinders aren’t cost-effective against $2,500 quadcopters.
Fortunately, innovations are underway. At Eglin AFB, the Air Force tested the APKWS (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) on F-15s. By converting unguided Hydra rockets into guided weapons, each fighter can carry dozens of low-cost munitions instead of only a handful of high-end missiles. Max calls this a smart adaptation for asymmetric warfare, where cheap drones can overwhelm even the most advanced aircraft.
FBI Sting Foils Domestic Drone AttackThe final major story covers a chilling domestic case. A 24-year-old man pled guilty after plotting to use a C-4-laden drone to attack power substations. The FBI, using undercover operatives, allowed the plan to progress to the point where the drone was powered up before stepping in. Thankfully, no attack occurred, but the case highlights how dual-use UAV technology can be weaponized.
David reflects on how easily hobby drones can be repurposed for harm, echoing lessons from Ukraine where small quadcopters wreak havoc. Max recalls seeing early RC drone battles and feeling uneasy about technology designed to destroy itself rather than innovate for good.
Closing ThoughtsThe episode ends with lighter anecdotes: an RC plane accident at a California airshow and the benefits of AMA membership for insurance. Max shares how his wife encouraged him to take up RC flying — the hobby that led him into drones and, eventually, UAV News Talk itself.
Max and David reunite for UAV News Talk episode 434, bringing listeners a wide-ranging discussion on the latest UAV, eVTOL, and rotorcraft developments.
FAA Advisory Circular on Powered-Lift
They start with the FAA’s release of AC 21-17-4, the long-awaited certification guidance for powered-lift aircraft. Max explains how this 64-page document emphasizes performance-based outcomes rather than prescriptive design rules. Much of the content resides in Appendix A, covering equipment from cockpit voice recorders to flight data recorders. The standout requirement: aircraft must withstand impacts from a four-pound bird—a test historically performed with frozen chickens fired from “chicken guns.” David points out that eVTOLs, operating at lower altitudes, will likely encounter more bird strikes than traditional aircraft, making the requirement especially relevant.
Joby Acquires Blade Passenger Business
The hosts then dive into Joby Aviation’s $125 million acquisition of Blade’s passenger business. Blade, known for helicopter and charter flights around Manhattan, gives Joby an existing customer base, operational infrastructure, and valuable experience. Max and David consider how quickly wealthy corporate travelers might switch from Sikorsky and Bell helicopters to Joby’s quieter eVTOLs. They expect a mixed fleet for years, with pricing likely used as an incentive to encourage adoption. The acquisition excludes Blade’s medical transport division but secures its premium commuter routes.
China’s Two-Ton eVTOL
China’s aviation industry stunned observers with the unveiling of a two-ton eVTOL. Although the aircraft carries 880 pounds of payload—comparable to a Robinson R44—Max notes the figure is underwhelming relative to the aircraft’s size. David highlights its 124 mph cruising speed and one-hour endurance, branding it part of China’s new “low-altitude economy.” Max contrasts U.S. and European reserve requirements for electric aircraft, noting that European operators can fly with only a 10-minute reserve, boosting usable endurance. They also reference the FAA’s MOSAIC rules, which propose pilot certificates requiring just 20 hours of training for simplified eVTOL controls—though both hosts believe real-world training times will be closer to 40 hours.
Ukraine’s Drone Bicycle Rescue
In a dramatic wartime innovation, Ukraine used drones to deliver electric bicycles to a soldier trapped behind enemy lines. After multiple attempts, including one foiled by a landmine, the soldier finally escaped thanks to the unusual delivery. Max appreciates this rare “good news” drone story, contrasting it with the common use of UAVs as weapons. David likens the aerial surveillance role to Vietnam-era A-1 Skyraiders providing overwatch during rescues.
Boeing Lawsuit and Startup Dispute
The discussion shifts to Boeing’s legal troubles with Zunum Aero, a Seattle-based hybrid-electric startup. After bankruptcy, Zunum sued Boeing for intellectual property theft. Though the case has bounced between rulings, the Ninth Circuit reinstated a $72 million verdict against Boeing, highlighting concerns about the aerospace giant’s corporate practices.
Waterfall Rescue with Drones and Helicopters
Finally, the hosts cover a California hiker who spent days trapped behind a waterfall in the Sequoia National Forest. Drones first located him before a sheriff’s helicopter hoisted him to safety. David jokes about future quadcopters equipped with hoists, while Max cautions hikers about the Seven Teacups Trail. The story reinforces the growing synergy between UAVs and helicopters in rescue operations.
Please check out these other podcasts in the Aviation News Talk Network:
Aviation News Talk
Rotary Wing Show Podcast
NTSB News Talk
BVLOS rules, school safety drones, NASA’s Mars helicopters, and Michigan’s 40-mile drone research skyway take center stage in UAV News Talk episode 433, hosted by Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof. The discussion begins with the newly introduced LIFT Act—short for Leading Innovation in Flight Technology Act—proposed by Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia on July 24, 2025. The bill would compel the Department of Transportation to accelerate FAA rulemaking for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. The hosts explore how AI could be used to speed approvals, contrasting deterministic AI rule-checking with generative AI’s potential for errors, and weighing how this fits—or clashes—with the FAA’s traditionally deliberate safety-first approach.
Next, the conversation shifts to Florida’s plan to trial armed drones for school security. Developed by Campus Guardian Angel, these drones would be stored on-site in protective boxes and launched within seconds to engage an active shooter—potentially firing powder pellets to incapacitate the suspect. Max and David raise practical questions about launch authority, piloting, targeting in chaotic conditions, and operational control from a central dispatch center. They note the program’s $1,000-per-month cost and early deployments in four Florida school districts and one Texas university.
Video of the Week: A vivid example of drones aiding law enforcement—a Scottsboro, Alabama thermal video showing the nighttime capture of an attempted murder suspect hiding beside railroad tracks. The video’s bright, detailed imagery stands out from typical black-and-white thermal feeds, illustrating drones’ growing value in search and apprehension.
From terrestrial policing to interplanetary exploration, the episode dives into NASA’s ambitious proposal to send six helicopters to Mars. Building on the Ingenuity mission’s unexpected 72-flight success, the new fleet could haul 11 pounds each, operate autonomously, and even act as communication relays to extend range. The hosts discuss rotor speed adjustments for Mars’ thin atmosphere, coaxial rotor benefits, and lessons from Ingenuity’s final hard landing caused by a rotor strike.
Back on Earth, Michigan unveils its M Air Research Skyway—a 40-mile-long drone corridor enabling BVLOS operations, swarm testing, and drone traffic management (UTM) development. The University of Michigan’s engineering programs, private partners, and state agencies will collaborate to test delivery drones, advanced operations, and multi-drone coordination in a controlled yet realistic environment. Max notes the unique scale compared to most U.S. university programs, and David speculates on potential eVTOL or medical delivery applications.
The episode wraps with a look at China’s booming “low-altitude economy” and its newly recognized profession: drone flight planner. With over 247,000 licensed drone operators and 2.17 million drones registered, China sees structured planning roles as key to safety and efficiency. Max compares these figures with the United States’ 460,000 Part 107 pilots and 822,000 registered drones, and the hosts discuss differences in regulatory pace and industry growth.
Packed with policy developments, technology advances, and global industry insights, UAV News Talk 433 delivers essential updates for drone pilots, UAS professionals, and anyone tracking the future of unmanned aviation.
In Episode 432 of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof explore the evolving role of drones in public events, law enforcement, and emergency response—highlighting both their growing utility and the risks of poor coordination. Titled "Drone Fireworks, Police UAVs, and a Black Hawk Crash in Texas," this episode covers breaking drone news from California and Texas, trends in UAV policing, and innovations in helicopter autonomy from Sikorsky and Skyryse.
The episode opens with Max sharing a personal story about diving back into ham radio and noting the crossover with FPV drone pilots who use amateur radio frequencies for extended range. It’s a humorous but insightful segue into the broader theme: drones are becoming essential tools in unexpected places, from backyard hobbies to high-stakes public safety operations.
🎆 Drones Replace Fireworks in San Jose
The first major story is about San Jose, California, where a last-minute shift from traditional fireworks to a July 4th drone light show occurred following a major fireworks factory fire in the Central Valley. With pyrotechnics canceled, city officials quickly pivoted to a drone display. The mayor noted that the cost of drone shows is “comparable to fireworks,” depending on the number of drones used. Max and David discuss how drone shows have grown increasingly sophisticated, but viewers should be aware that real-time transitions between drone formations are slower than what’s shown in sped-up YouTube clips.
Drone light shows are not just a visual marvel—they’re also a safer and more sustainable alternative to traditional fireworks. This switch is becoming part of a national trend, particularly in fire-prone areas like California. But San Jose’s drone integration didn’t stop at entertainment.
🚨 Police Drones Monitor Illegal Fireworks
San Jose also deployed police UAVs to monitor for illegal fireworks across the city, joining another California municipality doing the same. Max shares how drone surveillance is increasingly used to spot unlawful activity on holidays like the Fourth of July. David warns hobbyists against the temptation to fly drones into fireworks displays for viral footage, noting that it’s both dangerous and illegal.
These developments tie into a larger trend: law enforcement agencies across California are embracing drones as essential tools for first response. Max and David detail programs in San Jose, Alameda County, Elk Grove, and Los Angeles, where drones are now dispatched to emergency scenes—sometimes arriving before officers 74% of the time, as was the case in Elk Grove.
Drones are being used to safely observe volatile situations like domestic disputes and fleeing suspects. In one example from San Leandro, UAVs tracked a suspect hiding under a box in a backyard, guiding officers to the location with minimal risk. Applications also include search and rescue, missing persons, and real-time crowd monitoring.
👁️ Privacy Concerns and the Future of Police UAVs
While the benefits are clear, David raises privacy concerns, such as whether UAV-collected evidence is admissible in court or if warrants are required. The discussion highlights future scenarios where drones equipped with AI and facial recognition technology could misidentify individuals, leading to false arrests.
Max compares this to helicopters used by NYPD during 9/11, which had long-range surveillance capabilities. The same tech is now migrating to drones, which are cheaper to operate and able to hover closer to the action.
🚁 Black Hawk vs. Drone: Collision in Texas Flood Zone
The most serious story in the episode comes from Kerr County, Texas, where a drone collided with a Bell 206 helicopter during a search-and-rescue mission in flood conditions. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the collision underscores the risks of deploying UAVs without coordination. The drone was reportedly operating without proper integration into the rescue efforts.
Max and David stress the importance of respecting Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and coordinating with emergency services. Unauthorized drones have repeatedly grounded firefighting aircraft during wildfires and now threaten helicopter rescue crews in flood zones. The hosts remind licensed drone pilots to fly responsibly, especially during emergencies.
🤖 Sikorsky’s AI-Powered Black Hawk: Autonomy in Rotorcraft
From disaster to innovation, the episode turns to Sikorsky’s announcement about advancing AI-driven autonomous flight for their H-60 Black Hawk helicopters. David explains how the Black Hawk is now being tested as an optionally piloted aircraft—capable of flying with or without a human pilot. This would allow military operators to use the aircraft in dangerous or high-tempo environments without risking human lives.
Max highlights how companies like Skyryse are also transforming helicopters. He shares insights from his FLYING Magazine article on Skyryse's retrofitted autonomous R66 helicopter, controlled via a single joystick with all traditional flight controls removed. Max had the opportunity to fly the simulator and compares it to a standard R66 experience.
The appeal of retrofitting existing, certified platforms like the Black Hawk or R66 is that it fast-tracks deployment. Instead of waiting years for eVTOL aircraft to be certified, these aircraft already have flight-proven designs and infrastructure.
🧩 From Kitty Hawks to Flying Cars at the Helicopter Museum
David wraps up with an inside look at the American Helicopter Museum near Philadelphia, which recently acquired two Kitty Hawk Flyers, early eVTOL prototypes meant for recreational use over water. Though commercially unsuccessful, they’re now hands-on exhibits for the public. He also previews upcoming museum displays focused on Naval and Marine Corps rotorcraft history and encourages listeners to visit helicoptermuseum.org.
Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof dive into the future of drone delivery in Episode 431 of UAV News Talk. Max shares his firsthand experience receiving multiple packages via drone as part of a pilot program from Matternet, a Mountain View, California-based drone logistics company. After visiting Matternet’s headquarters and observing the behind-the-scenes operations, Max witnessed the packaging, pre-flight procedures, and live flight operations, including the dispatch and precise delivery of chocolate bars and snacks.
Matternet’s program currently serves residents in Mountain View and Sunnyvale, delivering small items such as chocolates and drinks for free as part of a test initiative to gather feedback and flight data. Max details how customers apply to join the program, undergo a home site survey, and then place orders via a website. Deliveries are tracked in real time, and drones use tethers to gently lower packages into designated clear areas, where they automatically release the payload and return to base.
Listeners hear live audio from Matternet staff explaining how deliveries are prepared, packaged, and executed under the watchful eye of a remote pilot monitoring telemetry and airspace conditions. Max describes the system’s precision and automation—including launchpads, a “mushroom-shaped” autonomous docking hub for future point-to-point missions, and how flight plans are uploaded for mostly autonomous execution.
The drones, significantly larger than consumer quadcopters, are equipped with carbon fiber propellers and make a lower-pitched, deeper noise due to their larger rotors spinning at lower RPMs. The box itself, constructed of cardboard with padded interiors, is pristine upon arrival, having avoided the rough handling common in traditional delivery systems.
David questions the economics of drone delivery, especially for low-cost items like chocolate, and Max suggests the long-term potential lies in delivering high-value or time-sensitive items, such as medical samples. They discuss how drone delivery is expanding, with Amazon, DoorDash, and companies like Flytrex, Zipline, and Alphabet’s Wing offering services in cities like Phoenix, College Station, and Dallas-Fort Worth.
While drone delivery is advancing, both hosts acknowledge challenges remain—including weather, regulatory hurdles, noise concerns, and public perception. Max’s takeaway: while drone delivery isn’t yet widespread, real-world operations like Matternet’s signal that UAV logistics are finally reaching the cusp of mainstream adoption.
Mentioned in the Show
Matternet
390 Electric Airplane Test Flight: Max Trescott Reviews the Bristell B23 Energic
In episode 430 of UAV News Talk, Max Trescott and David Vanderhoof return from vacation with urgent news and safety concerns in the drone industry. The episode opens with a major headline: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not available in the United States. Although the drone boasts high-end specs—including a 6K camera and improved flight performance—it’s currently unavailable in the U.S. due to concerns about data security and alleged ties between DJI and the Chinese government.
The ban stems from a long-standing effort by U.S. government agencies to restrict the use of DJI drones, especially after reports emerged that some DJI models were transmitting sensitive data back to China. The Pentagon, in particular, flagged DJI as a national security risk. In light of this, many online resellers and websites claiming to sell the Mavic 4 Pro may be scams. Max warns of fake DJI websites offering steep discounts, unauthorized sellers providing units without warranty coverage, and used drones that are “bricked” due to being locked to previous owners' DJI accounts. Buyers are urged to verify the source before purchasing any DJI drone—especially when new models are not officially available.
Next, the discussion shifts to drone battery fires, a serious issue affecting both hobbyist and commercial UAV operators. Max highlights a recent vehicle fire in Mountain View, California, caused by a drone battery left charging on the passenger seat of a truck. Though the fire was extinguished quickly and injuries were minor, it serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with charging LiPo (lithium polymer) batteries in enclosed or flammable environments.
In a separate and more devastating incident, a house in Kenosha County, Wisconsin was completely destroyed by a fire linked to drone batteries charging unattended. Tragically, several pets were lost in the blaze. According to reports, the batteries were connected to a newly purchased six-foot drone, and the homeowner had left them charging for hours while away from home. The episode underscores the importance of charging drone batteries only in safe, monitored locations—preferably on a non-flammable surface such as concrete and never inside unattended vehicles or homes.
From fire hazards to electric flight innovation, Max and David then explore the historic cross-Atlantic flight of Beta Technologies’ Alia electric aircraft. The Beta Alia CX300, a fixed-wing eVTOL aircraft, is currently touring Europe and made headlines for flying across the Irish Sea under VFR rules. Its final destination is Bristow Helicopters in Norway, a company known for operating offshore flights to oil platforms.
The Alia’s 250-nautical-mile range—significantly farther than most other electric VTOL aircraft—positions it as a promising alternative to traditional helicopters. Max notes that replacing helicopters for short regional missions is one of the most realistic and cost-effective early use cases for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Beta Alia also features fixed wings to improve lift and efficiency during cruise, giving it a hybrid profile that blends characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters.
In defense-related drone news, the episode also covers the U.S. Department of Defense’s recent unveiling of two “loyal wingman” drone programs—the QF-42 and QF-44. These autonomous fighter drones are designed to fly alongside manned aircraft like the upcoming F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, providing added firepower, surveillance capability, and operational safety. David notes that these aircraft are in the pre-production phase and may be deployed in the coming years as force multipliers in high-risk combat zones.
The rise of autonomous military drones is reshaping battlefield tactics, and even U.S. ground troops are training to evade detection from enemy drones. A recent report reveals that the U.S. Army is now showing new recruits how they appear to enemy UAVs during surveillance missions, emphasizing the importance of movement discipline and cover when drones are overhead.
On the civilian side, Max discusses a new product from uAvionix called SkyAlert—a wearable aircraft detection system designed for drone pilots and visual observers. The compact device receives dual-band ADS-B signals and gives real-time audio and visual alerts when manned aircraft are nearby. This enhances safety during drone operations, especially in mixed-use airspace near airports or urban areas. SkyAlert integrates with several popular electronic flight bag (EFB) apps like ForeFlight, SkyDemon, and OzRunways. Although still on pre-order, its $499 price point may appeal to commercial operators and professional drone pilots seeking an added layer of situational awareness.
While wearable drone safety tech shows promise, Max and David debate whether alarm fatigue or sensory overload could diminish its effectiveness. Drawing parallels to over-complicated aircraft cockpits, they emphasize the need for smart filtering and possibly automated drone responses, such as auto-landing when a threat is detected.
The episode closes with a tease for next week: Max received two drone deliveries to his front lawn—not deliveries of drones he purchased, but actual drones lowering deliveries into place and flying off. This real-world experience with drone delivery services will be the focus of the next episode.
From DJI drone bans and battery fire safety tips to electric aircraft innovation and military UAV trends, episode 430 offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of drone technology. Whether you fly drones recreationally, operate commercially, or are simply fascinated by aerospace innovation, please tell your friends about UAV News Talk, and encourage them to listen.
Episode 429 marks a major milestone for the podcast formerly known as The UAV Digest, soon to be relaunched as UAV News Talk. Max Flight and David Vanderhoof return to the mic after a long hiatus to introduce new co-host Max Trescott, known for his work on the Aviation News Talk podcast and expertise in both fixed-wing and helicopter flying.
The episode opens with a nostalgic look back to 2013, when Max Flight and David launched the show to cover the then-emerging drone landscape without overwhelming their other podcast, Airplane Geeks. They describe how the show evolved as they educated themselves and listeners about drone technology, regulations, and culture—sometimes even poking fun at questionable UAV behavior in their humorous “Grounded Files.”
Max Trescott shares his excitement for the relaunch and the evolving UAV and eVTOL landscape near his home in California. He describes spotting test aircraft like Joby and Archer’s eVTOLs during recent flights and highlights how the focus is now shifting from promise to actual operations, citing companies like Matternet that are actively making deliveries.
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UAV News Stories Covered
- SciFly’s novel UAV design, which mimics helicopter performance using large, overlapping rotors, airfoil-shaped arms, and variable-pitch blades. The team praises its engineering and endurance (a two-hour hover test), while noting it depends on government contracts and future funding.
- Lyten’s lithium-sulfur battery technology, which promises lightweight, cobalt-free energy solutions better aligned with national defense needs. They discuss the geopolitical implications of battery sourcing and the importance of secure U.S.-based supply chains.
- Jetson ONE, a personal eVTOL dubbed the “flying motorcycle,” boasting joystick controls, 63 mph speeds, and 20 minutes of flight time. Max Trescott raises safety concerns, emphasizing the need for operational limits and robust pilot training—even for intuitive aircraft.
- Abu Dhabi’s hybrid heliport initiative, designed to accommodate both helicopters and eVTOLs. The group agrees that infrastructure development is essential for advanced air mobility, especially in cities like New York where vertiport space is scarce. They praise the UAE’s leadership and view it as a model for global adoption.
Throughout the conversation, the hosts reflect on how UAV imagery has shifted over the years—from predator drones to quadcopters to today’s sleek eVTOLs. They also touch on persistent challenges, such as restricted flight zones, FAA registration, and airspace integration.
The episode wraps with Max Flight officially passing the baton to Trescott and offering encouragement: stay curious, have fun, and involve the community. The team announces a listener survey at theuavdigest.com/survey and a new website at uavnewstalk.com. Max Flight exits with gratitude, and David signs off looking forward to the show’s exciting future.
If you’ve been a longtime listener, you know it’s been a while — actually, a couple of years — since our last episode. But the good news is: The UAV Digest is coming back!
Since we last released an episode, the world of drones, UAVs, and advanced air mobility has evolved dramatically. And with so many exciting developments in technology, regulations, and industry trends, we want to make sure that the new version of the show stays in step with what matters most to you.
When we return, the show will still have the spirit you remember, but there will also be some new and exciting changes. And that’s where we need your help.
We’ve created a quick listener survey to hear your thoughts on what you’d like to hear in future episodes. It’ll only take a few minutes, and it will help shape the direction of the podcast as we move forward. You can find the survey at theuavdigest.com/survey.
Now, you might be wondering why there haven’t been any new episodes for the past few years. David and I will be back in the next episode to explain the story behind the break, and what you can expect as we relaunch the show.
In the meantime, please take a moment to visit theuavdigest.com/survey and share your thoughts. We’d really appreciate hearing from you.
Drone Safety Day is April 29, a drone that changes shape, jump-starting your car with a drone, Florida bans DJI from government agencies, decision-making for small UAVs, drones that work together without colliding, adding VTOL to a fixed-wing drone, agave farmers saving water, land a drone in Red Square.
UAV NewsDrone Safety DayDrone Safety Day is Saturday, April 29, 2023. The annual campaign is dedicated to educating the drone community on the importance of flying safely. You can download the 2023 Drone Safety Day Playbook and 2023 Drone Safety Day Flyer. You can also visit the Drone@Home page to find ideas to participate at home. Register your event.
Crazy shapeshifting drone inspired by dragons forces itself around objectsUniversity of Tokyo graduate students created drone prototypes that can rearrange into different structural shapes midair. The drones have individual segments with multi-axis gimbal systems. Each segment has its own propulsion unit, that can thrust in any direction. The drones can change their configuration to hold or move objects. They’ve also developed the SPIDAR quadruped robot that has joints in each leg and can fly.
Could Drones Come Jump Start Your Car When You’re Stranded? Ford’s New PatentThis patent contemplates drones that assist motorists stranded with a dead battery. The Ford vehicle would transmit a “dead battery” signal and its location then a drone would fly to the vehicle, open the hood, connect to the battery, and jump-start the vehicle.
Despite police outcry, DeSantis administration bans Chinese dronesFlorida Governor Ron DeSantis is forbidding government agencies from using drones manufactured by DJI. Only drones made by a small number of “approved manufacturers” can be purchased. Agencies have until January 1, 2023, to stop using drones not on the list. Many departments have already grounded their fleets. They told lawmakers that the Florida-approved drones are far more expensive and much less capable.
Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach said, I’m not going to let one officer risk his life or her life because somebody thinks that these things talk to China. I cannot imagine what China would really want to see when we pull over a DUI, when we stop a speeding car, when we arrest somebody for an outstanding warrant.”
Making the skies safer with smarter dronesUniversity of Notre Dame computer scientists and engineers are developing an automated decision-making system for small drones under a $5.3 million 3-year NASA grant. Notre Dame will enhance NASA’s current drone traffic management system and develop decision-making software that permits or denies flight requests by evaluating a drone’s safety track record, equipment readiness, operator preparedness, and maintenance procedures.
MIT researchers create algorithm to stop drones from colliding midairThe Robust MADER system lets drones work together without collisions. Each drone calculates its own trajectory and checks with nearby drones to be sure it won’t collide with any of them. The system is an asynchronous, decentralized, multiagent trajectory planner. By broadcasting both the newly optimized trajectory and the committed trajectory, and by performing a delay check step, RMADER is able to guarantee safety even with communication delays. The new system has been validated through simulation and hardware flight experiments. A 100% success rate of collision-free trajectory generation was achieved.
FLARES system gives non-VTOL drones a VTOL boostThe Flying Launch and Recovery System (or FLARES) turns a fixed-wing drone into a VTOL. The FLARES aircraft is a multicopter drone with four propeller arms. A mechanism on the underside clasps onto the body of a fixed-wing drone. The pair then rise vertically. At altitude, FLARES releases the fixed-wing drone. FLARES is manufactured by Hood Tech and was primarily designed for use on ship decks.
Boeing’s Insitu subsidiary offers a package that includes its Integrator fixed-wing drone and Hood’s FLARES system. Integrator flight time is reportedly up to 16 hours with a maximum payload of 40 lb (18 kg). Insitu says that payload capacity would be lower if Integrator had its own integrated VTOL system.
Video: Integrator VTOL joins Insitu’s best-in-class products & technology
https://youtu.be/rFUdDBs4r3oDiageo Drones Improve Efficiency of Tequila Farming in MexicoTequila producer Diageo started using drones in 2022 to identify agave plants that need pesticides, fertilizer, and water. The 2022 pilot developed the flying skills of the agave planters and introduced more efficient farming practices with environmental benefits.
The drones work in pairs: One identifies plants that need attention and collects agave growth data while the other dispenses a water, fertilizer, and pesticide mix. Water use is dropping by two-thirds.
Video: Society 2030 | Introducing drones to drive efficient tequila farming | Diageo
https://youtu.be/h9yuW6t7PVAUkraine launches competition to land a drone on Red Square during Russian military paradeMay 9, 2023, marks Victory Day in Russia and parades celebrate the Soviet victory in World War II. To help “celebrate,” a competition with a cash prize was launched for landing a UAV in Red Square that day. A bank co-founder who is also the developer of the Dovbush drone said, “I am officially awarding a prize to a Ukrainian UAV manufacturer, whose aircraft, with the help of the military, of course, will fly and land on Red Square in Moscow on May 9”. The prize fund is currently £440,000 and there is an open invitation for those who would like to contribute to the fund.
uAvionix detects ADS-B spoofing, racing drones are delivering explosives, an aerial tanker that autonomously guides and controls multiple drones, self-flying F-16s that test loyal wingmen, the Condor heavy-lift UAV wins its first customer, a new mini light tactical UAS, and Archer Aviation and United Airlines plan air taxi service in Chicago.
UAV NewsuAvionix Announces truSky ADS-B Spoofing Detection for SkyLine UAS BVLOS OperationsuAvionix offers its SkyLine UAS BVLOS service to manage the command and control infrastructure and assets across diverse frequency and radio types. Now the company is introducing truSky ADS-B spoofing detection for Skyline. It validates that a particular ADS-B signal is actually coming from an aircraft, and not being broadcast to spoof the signal.
ADS-B spoofing can be used for nefarious purposes and interferes with ATC and detect and avoid systems. It compromises airspace awareness and risks airspace safety and security.
uAvionix truSky works with a network of low-cost dual-frequency ADS-B ground receivers. The aircraft’s signal is confirmed to come from the aircraft’s position. With multiple sensors, truSky backward calculates the aircraft’s position and compares it to the position stated in the ADS-B transmission. When used with the uAvionix SkyLine platform, aircraft are color-coded based on confidence scores.
How racing drones are used as improvised missiles in UkraineThe war in Ukraine seems to be demonstrating the use of drones in a conflict like never before. Ukraine is even using racing drones as loitering munitions. In a video released last year, a racing drone dives through an open doorway into a building occupied by Russian troops and explodes. There is even a Ukrainian military drone team called Angry Birds. They say they carry out half a dozen racing-drone attacks a day.
Airbus tanker plane takes autonomous control of multiple dronesAirbus Defence and Space has autonomously guided and controlled drones using an A310 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) flying testbed. The technology is called Auto’Mate, which cuts down on crew fatigue, human error, and training costs. This is seen as a milestone on the way to fully Autonomous Formation Flight and Autonomous Air-to-Air Refueling (A4R).
US Air Force plans self-flying F-16s to test drone wingmen techThe Air Force plans a fleet of at least 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft, or CCA. But you can’t have loyal wingmen without trusted autonomy, so the service has asked for $50 million to start Project Venom (Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model). The project would let the Air Force experiment with six F-16s to test and refine the autonomous software.
Drone Delivery Canada sells its first Condor heavy-lift UAVDrone Delivery Canada sold their first Condor heavy-lift UAV to the Transport Canada agency. The sale was valued at CAD $1.2 million ($880,000) and the company will provide operating and testing support. Air Canada was the sales agent brokering the deal. The Condor is 22 feet long, five feet wide, and seven feet tall with a cargo capacity of 400 pounds. The range is just over 124 miles and the operating speed is nearly 75 mph.
The Condor, courtesy Drone Delivery Canada.SURVEY Copter Unveils ‘CAPA-X’ Modular VTOL UAVAt the SOFINS Special Forces exhibition, SURVEY Copter presented a new light tactical UAS called the CAPA-X [PDF]. It features a modular design: Propulsion can be configured for VTOL or HTOL and the payload bay can integrate different types of sensors. Either short or long wings can be configured for hovering at high cruising speeds, or for increased flight autonomy. SURVEY Copter has been an Airbus subsidiary since 2011. They design, produce, and provide operational support for light tactical UAS.
The CAPA-X, courtesy SURVEY Copter.Archer Aviation and United Airways Establish Air Taxi Route in ChicagoThe companies announced their plans to launch an air taxi service in Chicago in 2025. Passengers will fly a 10-minute trip between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Vertiport Chicago. Archer Aviation has flown its prototype, the “Maker” and the production aircraft is the “Midnight.” Archer plans to deploy 6000 aircraft By 2030.
Video: United and Archer Announce Next UAM Route: Chicago
https://youtu.be/nspBTBI8Kec
Alphabet’s Wing subsidiary wants a drone delivery network, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces consider using drones to intercept aircraft, DJI is reportedly dropping AeroScope, U.S. Senators want an assessment of DJI security risks, cardboard drones from Australia are going to Ukraine, the USAF has plans for 1,000 loyal wingmen drones, Zipline’s next-generation aircraft, and Russian Su-27 fighter jets intercept a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper.
UAV NewsGoogle company unveils drone delivery-network ambitionAlphabet’s Wing subsidiary is delivering up to 1,000 packages a day in Australia, but to scale up to millions of deliveries daily, Wing says it needs to develop a network service. The Wing Delivery Network would enable the management of large numbers of drones. This would consist of three hardware elements:
- The delivery drones.
- Pads where drones take off, land, and recharge their batteries.
- Autoloaders that allow companies to leave packages for collection.
Delivery drones would travel from pad to pad (or node to node) rather than use fixed routes that return to a “home base” after each delivery.
Video: The Wing Drone Delivery Network
https://youtu.be/xEcspDhZJuMJapan weighs using drones to chase away foreign aircraftChinese military flights in the East China Sea have increased and scrambling jets is expensive for Japan. So the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JDSF) are thinking about using drones instead, either the Turkish Bayraktar TB2 or the MQ-9 Reaper. It’s estimated that scrambling manned jets costs 40 times more than sending drones. The JSDF will first train its forces to use drones to identify foreign warships. If that proves successful, drones would be used to identify fast-approaching aircraft. Then if the threat is significant, the JSDF would send manned aircraft.
DJI quietly discontinues its drone-detecting AeroScope systemAccording to The Verge, the DJI AeroScope product page displays a pop-up that reads: “The Aeroscope is no longer in production. For the latest in DJI technology, please view our product recommendations below.” AeroScope is a drone detection platform that identifies UAV communication links and gathers information in real time like flight status, paths, and other information.
Senators Request Cyber Safety Analysis of Chinese-Owned DJI DronesA bipartisan group of U.S. Senators is asking the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to conduct an investigation and evaluate potential risks associated with DJI drones. In its letter, the Senators say, “Identification of this relationship between DJI and the PLA [People’s Liberation Army] suggests a range of risks to U.S. operators of the technology, including that sensitive information or data could wind up in PLA hands.”
Paper Planes? Ukraine Gets Flat-Packed Cardboard Drones From AustraliaSYPAQ announced it is shipping its Corvo drones to Ukraine. The drones come in flatpack form and the bodies are made of waxed cardboard. The autonomous Corvo PPDS has been shown to be simple to construct using only a glue gun, knife, pen, tape, and perhaps rubber bands. Only one tool is needed to attach the propeller. Corvo Autonomous Systems provides a family of autonomous systems for both military and commercial applications.
Corvo drone prototype.US Air Force eyes fleet of 1,000 drone wingmen as planning acceleratesThe USAF has big plans for loyal wingmen drones – perhaps 1,000 of them. The Air Force plans to ask Congress for funding for the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) program in the fiscal 2024 budget, as well as the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The Air Force estimates two CCAs for each of 200 NGAD platforms, and two CCAs for each of 300 F-35s.
Zipline unveils P2 delivery drones that dock and recharge autonomouslyZipline is showing their next-generation aircraft, called the Platform 2 or P2 Zip with an eight-pound payload and a ten-mile radius. It can land a package on a space as small as a table or doorstep. The original P1 Zip has a greater range but requires more space for takeoff, landing, and package delivery. The P2 has both lift and cruise propellers for quiet operation and better maneuverability. It can dock at a charging station and power up autonomously. Zipline says they’ve flown more than 38 million miles with its autonomous delivery drones.
Video shows moment Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black SeaTwo Russian Su-27 Flanker fighter jets intercepted a U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, dumped fuel on the drone, and struck and damaged the MQ-9s propeller.
Another personal eVTOL, cops flying BVLOS, military drones with facial recognition, a lethal drone designed in Australia, the Lilium Jet eVTOL, and moving air quietly.
UAV NewsIs this one-seat flying saucer the future of flight?ZEVA Aero designs and builds electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The company’s flagship product is the Argon, based on a pre-existing airframe. But their Zero is a personal eVTOL for one person. It launches with the pilot standing, but the position is prone in horizontal flight. The 8-foot-wide flying saucer-shaped aircraft uses 8 propellers and is expected to cost $250,000.
Zeva Zero personal eVTOLA one-eighth-scale model has been flight-tested and tethered tests are underway with a full-sized prototype. Zeva says the prototype should be ready for remote-controlled flights within a month, and tests with a pilot could take place in three to six months.
Video: ZEVA 1/8 Scale Model flying
https://youtu.be/4dClvA0rk-cWelcome to Chula Vista, where police drones respond to 911 callsThe Chula Vista, California police department operates 29 drones. The program runs 10 hours a day, seven days a week using four launch sites. Officers routinely request aerial reconnaissance. More than 1,500 U.S. police departments use drones, mostly for search and rescue, to document crime scenes, and to chase suspects. About 225 police departments have FAA waivers to fly BVLOS. Privacy and civil liberty groups are taking notice.
US Military Signs Contract to Put Facial Recognition on DronesThe Air Force’s Drones Can Now Recognize Faces. Uh-Oh.The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy facial recognition technology on drones. RealNetworks LLC has the contract to supply its SAFR technology on small drones used for special operations missions. RealNetworks says SAFR Scan is “the first full-featured intelligent biometric access controlled edge solution.”
Australian-designed lethal drone to be unveiled at Avalon AirshowBAE STRIXBAE Systems Australia unveiled the armed STRIX VTOL at Avalon 2023. It’s a hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS that could be used for air-to-ground strike, persistent ISR, and as a loyal wingman for military helicopters. It can carry up to a 160kg payload over 800km with a variety of munitions. The collapsed footprint is only 2.6m x 4.5m (roughly 8.5 x 15 feet).
Lilium sees premium service entry for Lilium Jet eVTOLVertical flight takes a lot of energy and most eVTOL designs have significant aerodynamic drag. These limit, l eVTOL range. The Lilium Jet is designed to overcome those obstacles. The wing and canard aircraft have a good lift-to-drag ratio, and power requirements are low at cruise speed. Power for both vertical and horizontal flight comes from many small electric motors pushing air through variable nozzle ducts. Electric power comes from 330 Wh/kg density batteries. Service entry will be in the premium sector.
Lilium JetWhisper Aero Set to Reveal Details About Its Ultra-Quiet Propulsion SystemWhisper Aero has been working on quiet propulsion technology for two years, looking for a noise reduction of about 20 dB for drones and electric fixed-wing aircraft. The company has provided no specifics but is expected to reveal details about its propulsors “toward the end of March or early April.” They’ve built a 55-pound demonstrator drone to test the concept. Reportedly, the company plans to offer different propulsion system models with different power outputs.
Ameriflight plans to purchase cargo drones from Natilus and Saberwing, a plan for autonomous wind turbine inspections and repair, the American Security Drone Act, an arrest made for flying a drone at Dublin airport, a new hydrogen-powered octocopter drone, and Green and Blue UAS.
UAV NewsAmeriflight adds 35 heavy-duty cargo drones to wish listAmeriflight is a regional cargo airline (Part 135) that operates 156 turboprop twins for customers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. They recently signed a tentative agreement with Natilus for pilotless cargo planes. Now Ameriflight has signed a Letter of Intent to purchase 35 VTOL cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Co.
Saberwing RhaegalAmeriflight has 15 bases across the Western Hemisphere with 200 service destinations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as the Caribbean and South America. They typically experience over 1,500 weekly departures.
The Natilus agreement to purchase is for the Kona aircraft, a 3.8-ton payload, short-haul feeder uncrewed aerial vehicle. Nautilus says the Kona planes will be operated by remote control and have the ability to be fully autonomous at some point in the future.
Project Using Automated Drones for Offshore Wind O&M Aims for Reducing Downtime and CO2 EmissionsThe Flexible Offshore Drone for Wind (FOD4Wind) project envisions a system that can conduct autonomous wind turbine inspections and repair as well as package deliveries from service operation vessels to offshore turbines.
FOD4Wind illustration, courtesy University of Southern Denmark.Drones would take off from service operation vessels and carry gear and tools to the nacelles of Siemens offshore wind turbines. The Upteko partner says “If we can replace sailing with drone flights from larger ships, then many of the trips around the wind farm will be saved. There is great potential in that – both in terms of time and CO2 emissions.”
The project, which runs until the end of 2024, is first working with payloads of 12 kilograms, with a long-term goal for the drones to be able to carry a cargo of up to 100 kilograms.
The FOD4Wind project is being undertaken by Siemens Gamesa (produces wind turbines), ESVAGT (operates the service operation vessels), Upteko (developer of the automated UAS), and the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) with Energy Cluster Denmark managing FOD4Wind.
Warner, Scott Introduce Legislation to Ban Purchase of Drones Manufactured in Countries Identified as National Security ThreatsThe American Security Drone Act of 2023 was introduced by U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Rick Scott (R-FL)
Senator Warner: “…the purchase of drones from foreign countries, especially those that have been deemed a national security threat, is dangerous. I am glad to introduce legislation that takes logical steps to protect our data from foreign adversaries and meanwhile supports American manufacturers.”
Senator Scott: “I’ve been clear for years: the United States should never spend taxpayer dollars on anything made in Communist China, especially drones which pose a significant threat to our national security. Xi and the Communist Party of China are on a quest for global domination and whether it’s with spy balloons, TikTok or drones, they will stop at nothing to infiltrate our society and steal our data.”
The American Security Drone Act:
- Prohibits federal departments and agencies from procuring certain foreign commercial off-the-shelf drones or covered unmanned aircraft systems manufactured or assembled in countries identified as national security threats, and provides a timeline to end the current use of these drones.
- Prohibits the use of federal funds awarded… to state or local governments from being used to purchase [these drones].
- Requires the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress detailing the amount of foreign commercial off-the-shelf drones and covered unmanned aircraft systems procured by federal departments and agencies from countries identified as national security threats.
The legislation is cosponsored by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Josh Hawley (R-MO).
Man accused of flying drone at critical area of Dublin AirportThey charged the man under section 43 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act, 1988. He is accused of knowingly flying a drone into the critical area of Dublin Airport which interfered with the operation of an aerodrome on July 2nd, 2022. The 41-year-old was remanded on bail to appear again on March 21, 2023. Meantime, he’s banned from flying drones and going within two kilometers of the airport.
Commercial and military hydrogen drone unveiled by Heven DronesIsrael-based Heven Drones unveiled its H2D55 hydrogen octocopter drone. It can fly for over 90 minutes with a 15-pound payload. This is the first in a series of hydrogen-fueled drones to be released. The others will have longer flight times and greater payload. The drones are built to spec and take two-three months to complete. The price is not announced
The drones are built in-house, in a 20,000 sq. ft. production facility adjacent to R&D and administrative offices in the North of Israel. Up to 200 fully customizable drones per month can be built at the current capacity.
AUVSI Green UAS: Expanding the Pool of Trusted Drone Options
Green UAS is part of AUVSI’s Trusted Cyber Program, which seeks to verify a greater number of commercial UAS in line with the highest levels of cybersecurity and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) supply chain requirements.
AUVSI launched the Trusted Cyber Program in August 2022 in collaboration with cybersecurity firm Fortress Information Security.
Green UAS is an industry-standard assessment process that mirrors the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)’s Blue UAS certification program. It is administered by AUVSI to vet drones that are seeking Green UAS certification. Green-compliant drones that have a DoD customer/sponsor willing to sponsor and fund a DoD Authority to Operate (ATO) will have the opportunity to transition from the Green UAS cleared list to Blue UAS cleared list.
Green UAS builds on the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)’s Blue UAS certification program, an approach to rapidly prototyping and scaling commercial UAS technology for the DoD. Green UAS is meant for customers without an immediate need for Department of Defense (DoD) authority to operate and provides a more straightforward pathway to the Blue UAS 2.0 cleared list.
A global drone market report, aircraft control with artificial intelligence, a slow start to Amazon drone deliveries, drones disrupt flight operations at Dublin Airport, a testing service for microgravity research.
UAV NewsChinese drone maker DJI is dominating the market – despite being blacklisted by the U.S.A report by Drone Industry Insights says: the global drone market was $30.6 billion in 2022 and it is expected to grow to $55.8 billion by 2026. DJI holds 70% market share. Global Drone Market Report 2022-2030 says that drone services will remain the biggest segment, but hardware will grow the fastest. Energy is the Industry with the highest adoption of drones. Cargo, courier services, intralogistics, and warehousing have the highest CAGR. Mapping and surveying is the top drone application, followed by inspection as well as photography and filming.
AI Just Flew an F-16 for 17 Hours. This Could Change Everything.The Lockheed Martin VISTA X-62A training aircraft flew for more than 17 hours with artificial intelligence software, marking the first time AI operated a tactical aircraft. The VISTA is based on the F-16. Software allows it to mimic the performance characteristics of other aircraft.
Amazon’s delivery drones served fewer than 10 houses in their first monthAmazon’s drones have reportedly delivered to fewer houses than there are words in this headlineAmazon has been making deliveries by drone in Lockeford, California, and College Station, Texas. But not many. According to The Information, as few as seven houses had received Amazon packages by drone – two in California and five in Texas. The report says the FAA has safety concerns since Amazon’s drone weighs around 80 pounds (and carries a five-pound payload) and they fly over roads and people. FAA said Amazon must ask for permission on a case-by-case basis and Amazon employees had to act as spotters.
However, Amazon successfully argued last November that the new MK27-2 drone is safer and more autonomous and didn’t need as many humans or safeguards. See: Amazon Prime Air revised limitations 2023 (Corrected Copy) [PDF], a 64-page letter from FAA to Amazon Prime Air informing Amazon that FAA has partially granted their Nov 2022 petition to amend the Exemption (No. 18601).
Drones disrupt flight operations at Dublin Airport for second day runningConfirmed drone sightings caused six incoming flights to be diverted, three to Belfast Airport and three to Shannon Airport. Operations were suspended for 38 minutes on runway 28R for departures and 44 minutes on Runway 28L for arrivals.
Watch a drone drop a microgravity capsule in 1st-of-its-kind experiment (video)Gravitilab provides testing services for microgravity research. They offer seven proprietary, reusable launch vehicles. One is “the world’s first commercial UAV microgravity testing platform.” The LOUIS UAV system and drop pod flew to an altitude of 2,000 feet and then released the drop pod carrying scientific experiments. The pod payload experienced over five seconds of weightlessness. Gravitilab says they “deliver up to 180 seconds of microgravity with a significant cost saving per kilo per second and short campaign lead times.” They offer “dedicated and rideshare launch capabilities, and the option to transport launch services to customers.”
(Image credit: Gravitilab)UAV Video of the WeekDRONE | Animated short film about drones, AI, and live-streaming on YouTube
https://youtu.be/RubSLGTrdOAA 15-minute animated film about a malfunction at a CIA press event that causes a Predator drone installed with an ethical AI personality to go rogue as it attempts to understand its purpose in the world.
A large autonomous blended-wing cargo drone and a smaller electric cargo drone, the Eaglet takes flight, taser drones at public schools, the GAO recommends the FAA create a comprehensive strategy, the Dronut for inspections, two MQ-9 Reapers for a Dollar, and a BVLOS autonomous inspection solution.
UAV News3.8T Cargo Drone, courtesy Natilus.Drones will ‘push the boundaries of what is possible’ in air cargoThe Natilus Kona cargo drone looks a lot like the NASA X-48B blended-wing prototype. It’s autonomous so no need for pressurization and the blended wing design is efficient with up to a 50% reduction in emissions. It has a claimed 4.3-ton cargo capacity with a 900 nautical mile range. Natilus says they have “designed and developed” the aircraft. The patent-pending ‘Diamond’ cargo bay allows for 60% more volume. It’s designed for cargo and can hold a large configuration of standard pallets and outsized cargo. A remote pilot watches over.
World’s largest electric cargo plane unveiled, here’s how far it can fly on its ownPyka unveiled a large, zero-emission autonomous electric cargo plane. The second-generation Pelican Spray is an autonomous electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations on farms. The Pelican Cargo features an extended range, increased payload capacity, and maximized cargo volume. A payload of up to 400 lbs can be carried in 66 feet of cargo space for a range of up to 200 miles (with a 20 min reserve).
Video: Pyka Pelican Cargo Unveil – Large Autonomous Electric Cargo UAS
https://youtu.be/tJ3d7JN5NUsGA-ASI’s Eaglet Takes Its First FlightGeneral Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) conducted a flight demonstration of the Eaglet Air-Launched Effect (ALE) at the Dugway Proving Grounds in Utah. The Eaglet was launched from a U.S. Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) UAS. The Eaglet is a low-cost survivable UAV that can be launched from a Gray Eagle, rotary-wing aircraft, or ground vehicles.
Taser drones in schools? The idea isn’t completely kaputThere was some talk about the ethics of putting tasers on small UAVs to subdue dangerous people and using “shock drones” to protect schools. Several years ago, law enforcement company Axon asked its ethics board for input on the idea. After a year-long study, the board said it was not a good idea. Then the mass shooting at the school in Uvalde, Texas happened. Axon may be rethinking the idea.
FAA Should Improve Its Approach to Integrating Drones into the National Airspace SystemThe U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the FAA has developed planning documents to manage efforts to integrate drones into the national airspace, but it does not have a comprehensive strategy. According to the GAO, a comprehensive strategy includes seven elements and the FAA has only four of them. The FAA’s documents do not identify drone integration goals and objectives and they only partially include milestones and performance measures for all activities. The GAO recommends that the FAA address this as well as some other process deficiencies.
Cleo Robotics’ drones fly into tight spaces to gather dataThe Cleo Robotics Dronut® X1 is a small bi-rotor ducted drone with no exposed propellers. It fits in the palm of your hand and is powered using bi-rotor thrust vectoring technology. Applications include inspections in dangerous and confined spaces and an ISR solution for GPS-denied environments.
Two MQ-9 Reaper UAVs just for a dollar but there are nuancesAccording to The Wall Street Journal, General Atomics is offering Ukraine two Reapers for $1.00. But Ukraine has to pay about $10 million to prepare and deliver them, and about $8 million for maintenance and support. The Pentagon would have to approve of the sale.
Flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight at Record-Breaking Altitude with PerceptoPercepto has FAA authorization to execute unmanned drone-in-a-box operations 200 feet above ground level without a pilot or visual observer on site. The FAA authorization is only for a large Texas solar power plant but Percepto will use this as a model for other industries, including oil and gas, mining, and utilities.
Toroidal Propellers offer a solution for multirotor noise, layoffs at Prime Air, Valkyrie drones for the US Marines, regulating advanced air mobility in Utah, mapping a radioactive environment with a collision-tolerant drone, and a cargo drone that can carry 100 pounds for 600 miles.
UAV NewsToroidal Propellers May Quietly Pave the Way to UAM Package Deliveries and MoreMIT might have a solution for the noise produced by multi-rotor propellers. The Structural and Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is experimenting with toroidal propellers. [PDF] The toroidal propeller consists of two blades looping together so that the tip of one blade curves back into the other.
Key Features:
- Decreases signals in the frequency range to which humans are most sensitive
- Reduces noise without requiring supplementary components that add weight and increase power draw
- Lessens the likelihood that the spinning propeller will cut, catch, or clip objects or surfaces in the drone’s path
- Achieves thrust comparable to that of a multirotor drone propeller
- Allows reliable fabrication with additive manufacturing techniques that make it possible to customize the propeller for various multirotor models and types
Toroidal propellers. Image copyright and courtesy MIT Lincoln Laboratory.Amazon’s drone delivery unit hit with layoffs just as 10-year-old project finally launchesIt’s been a decade since Amazon’s Jeff Bezos unveiled the company’s drone project on 60 Minutes. Prime Air now has drone delivery operations in two small markets, but corporate cost-cutting is rampant in the tech industry. Amazon plans to cut 18,000 jobs and Prime Air is not immune. The company won’t say how many layoffs affect the program. Sources said employees in the design, maintenance, systems engineering, flight testing, and flight operations units were part of the layoffs.
Marine Corps buying Valkyrie drones to investigate ‘future autonomous platforms’The Marines have a $15 million contract with Kratos for two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones. These large aircraft weigh about 6,000 pounds and have a 27-foot-wingspan. Likely missions include strike, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare. Possible other applications are a “mothership” for small drones and the deployment of munitions.
What is ‘advanced air mobility,’ and why is the Utah Legislature looking to regulate it?The Utah Legislature has been working on drone regulations and in 2022 a study group was formed to look at updating regulatory laws. A bill is now working through the state legislature that is described as a framework for regulation. Topics being discussed include tracking software for near-ground air traffic, noise concerns, and State supremacy over local jurisdictions
Inside the Department of Energy Project Using Drones to Map Radioactive Waste Storage VaultsA Flyability Elios 3 drone has successfully completed a 3D LiDAR mapping operation of a storage vault holding radioactive waste. The vault is planned to be removed and the data collected by the drone will aid in planning the project. The operation was conducted last November at the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center at the Idaho National Laboratory Site. A team of about 50 people was involved, the top of the vault was covered with a plastic tent (thus creating an “indoor mission), and a crane lifted the vault’s lid and hatch. Flyability specializes in confined space inspections.
Flyability Elios 3 droneMightyFly’s new autonomous cargo drone carries 100 lb for 600 milesThe MightyFly Cento autonomous VTOL drone is a hybrid with electric propulsion and a hydrocarbon combustion engine that charges the battery in flight. The carbon-fiber airframe weighs 355 lb when fully loaded with a payload of up to 100 pounds. For vertical flight, eight props provide lift while a pusher prop on the back is used for cruise flight.
Video: MightyFly, the future of logistics, testimonials
https://youtu.be/5iHL8qp9ZEsUAV Video of the Week
Drone shows moose shedding antlers in forest
A wildlife enthusiast’s drone captured the moment a moose shed both its antlers in a forest in Canada.
An autonomous drone that collects environmental DNA, a robotic wing that measures flapping performance, a Wyoming bill to outlaw drone flights over prisons, flying drugs into the U.S. with drones, and an ex-drone manager sues Amazon.
UAV NewsSpecial drone collects environmental DNA from treesIf you want to find out what creatures live in an area, you can observe them or you can collect the “environmental DNA” they leave. Examples of external DNA include dead skin or feathers, waste, and fluids. These can be found in the soil, in water, or on rocks and tree branches. Collecting environmental DNA can be difficult and expensive. It can be unsafe if you have to climb up into the forest canopy to get the DNA samples
Now a special drone is being developed that can autonomously collect samples on tree branches. Collaborating are ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, and environmental DNA (eDNA) specialist Spygen. (A French biotechnology company created in 2011 and specializing in molecular ecology.) The drone lands on a branch and adhesive strips collect the samples. DNA is extracted in the lab.
Video: Special drone collects environmental DNA from trees
https://youtu.be/0jpTahO7plsEfficiency of flapping drones to be increased with wing-folding researchA recent study led by Lund University in Sweden found that birds fly more efficiently by folding their wings during the upstroke. This might have implications for flapping drones and could increase their propulsive and aerodynamic efficiency. In order to study the different ways that wings could flap, the research team constructed a robotic wing that can flap the way birds do but can also flap in ways birds don’t. Wind tunnel measurements record the performance of the wing. Biology researcher Christoffer Johansson says “Flapping drones could be used for deliveries, but they would need to be efficient enough and able to lift the extra weight this entails. How the wings move is of great importance for performance, so this is where our research could come in handy,”
Bill Outlawing Flying Drones Over Prisons Soars Through Wyoming SenateThe Wyoming Department of Corrections says just two incidents have occurred in Wyoming that involve drones and prisons. (Those were attempts to deliver tobacco.) But other prisons have seen drone incidents. The Wyoming Corrections Director fears that drones could be used to spy on prisons and identify guards, inmates, and specific facility details. After the Senate vote, the legislation goes to the state House.
It Looked Like A Nice Family Home. Cops Suspect It Was A Secret Drone Airport For MDMA DropoffsNobody seemed to live there at the $650,000 property in upstate New York. The grounds were unkempt and expensive-looking cars came and went. Law enforcement decided to investigate and border patrol came up with a surveillance tool that could “recognize drone signatures, map their flight path, and identify starting and stopping points via GPS.” At night, a UAV flew in. Police arrived and the pilot and two others were taken into custody. The drone held a package with $110,000 (street value) of MDMA, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly called Ecstacy. At this time, only the alleged drone pilot has been charged.
Ex-Amazon drone manager says he was fired for raising safety concernsThe former manager is suing Amazon in King County Superior Court in Seattle, claiming racial discrimination in promotions and retaliation for raising safety concerns. He notes the lack of safety protocols in drone testing, the large number of crashes, and restrictions on employee access to flight information, videos, and pictures.
The man is seeking lost earnings, and compensation for legal fees and emotional distress. Amazon said in a statement “these allegations are false and we look forward to proving that in court.” See also, Amazon Drone Crashes Hit Jeff Bezos’ Delivery Dreams.
Using drones for weather prediction, tracking warehouse inventory with an autonomous drone, an FCC NPRM for the UAS communications spectrum, Walmart delivery drone statistics, underwater drones to detect ocean carbon, hardening the electric grid from aerial attacks, and cargo delivery to moving ships.
UAV NewsDrones Make Weather Prediction Easier at the PolesResearchers are using DJI Mavic 2 drones to measure Arctic wind speeds. The only modification required was the addition of an inexpensive, lightweight thermal anemometer. The Japanese National Institute of Polar Research is flying drones from a research vessel.
Video: Using small drones to measure wind speeds in the polar regions
https://youtu.be/cpKexnLXcPkDrones take the night shift for improved inventory trackingThe Vimaan StorTRACK Air autonomous warehouse drone can automate inventory control functions. It scans warehouse racks, delivers accurate inventory status to the warehouse management system, and doesn’t just read barcode labels – it includes optical character recognition and captures the entire contents of warehouse racks.
Video: Cycle Counting Autonomous Warehouse Drones track inventory accuracy and warehouse utilization
https://youtu.be/_7k8pAcfYZ0U.S. FCC proposes additional spectrum for drone communicationsThe U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed new spectrum rules for unmanned aircraft systems. This is necessary to accommodate the increasing number of drones, which require wireless communication. The NPRM addresses the 5030-5091 MHz band, which was previously allocated to support terrestrial control links for UAS without adopting service rules. This proposal is the first step to developing those service rules for UAS operations.
Ref: FCC Starts Rulemaking on Licensed Spectrum for Unmanned Aircraft Use
Walmart Drone Delivery by the NumbersThirty-six Walmart stores in the U.S. have drone delivery hubs operated by DroneUp, Flytrex, and Zipline. 6,000+ drone deliveries were completed in 2022. The top five customer favorites delivered by drone were cookies, ice cream, lemons, rotisserie chicken, energy drinks, and paper towels. Drone delivery is operating in seven states: VA, NC, FL, AR, TX, UT, AZ.
Meet the scientists and their underwater drones tackling the ‘weirdly complicated’ world of ocean carbonThe underwater drone, or “glider,” nicknamed Migaloo is 1.5 meters long and measures CO2 and pH ocean parameters to understand global carbon sink. The Atlantic Carbon Observatory Pilot Program (ACOP) utilizes moored bottom observatories and gliders that provide mobile pH and CO2 sensors. Real-time data collected is collected via Iridium and Fiberoptic links. The Slocum Underwater Glider is designed and manufactured by Teledyne Webb Research.
We must act now to protect the electric grid from dronesThe North American Electric Reliability Corporation is set to review the physical security standards of the electric grid, but that doesn’t address airborne threats. Defensive options need to be investigated, leveraging the progress that National Laboratories and the Department of Defense (DOD) are making in counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies and systems. Current statutory restraints limit the ability of utilities to defend their facilities from drone attacks.
U.S. Navy Drones Pass Long-Range Test of Unmanned Cargo Delivery to Moving ShipsThe Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) “recently demonstrated multiple unmanned systems in a first-of-its-kind mission to move supplies to ships at sea.” Two VTOLs were involved in the testing: the Martin V-BAT 128 and the Skyways V2.6 Cargo Aircraft. The Navy is looking for UAVs that have the ability to transport cargo under 50 lbs and fly to and from moving ships.
A UAV tether for choppy seas, four advanced (and expensive) drones, drones changing the way buildings are designed, a drone (and rover) for simulated Martian missions, the Army’s short-range reconnaissance program with Skydio, an Apple patent for pairing UAVs and controllers, kites that take down drones, Ukraine drones that take down Russian drones.
UAV NewsNavy engineers test new slack tether for launching quadcopter from boatsThe Naval Information Warfare Center in San Diego designed a smart winch tether system with an autonomous winch that keeps proper slack in the tether. A UAV can hover at a specific altitude while the ship pitches and rolls with the waves. The winch autonomously adjusts the spool motor by measuring the tether-departure angle. Adding a tethered quadcopter to the uncrewed Seahawk ship would allow it to elevate cameras and expand the line of sight.
4 of the most advanced drones and copters coming to our skiesThe Aerwins Xturismo is a flying motorbike with a maximum range of 40km that can carry up to 100kg. The Airborne Drones’ Vanguard is a long-range surveillance drone with a 94-minute flight time and 4K video. The Lockheed Martin Indago 3 is rugged and “whisper quiet,” taking only two minutes to get airborne. The Volocopter 2X is a personal helicopter targeted to prospective air taxi operators.
Five ways drones will change the way buildings are designed1. Creating 3D digital models of buildings with accuracy to within a centimeter. 2. Heritage simulations where drones help planners to visualize the final impact of restoration or construction work on a damaged or partially finished building. 3. Drone delivery including roof-top landing pads and recharging stations. 4. Drones mounted with 3D printers that could construct emergency shelters or repair buildings. 5. Agile surveillance with drone systems like biometric indicators and “face recognition.”
Skypersonic Delivers Drones, Rover, and Piloting Platform to NASA’s Simulated Mars MissionsThe Skypersonic rover and drone system will be used by crew members to remotely explore Martian-like terrain. NASA’s Simulated Mars Missions will run for a year and operate from a 1,700-square-foot simulated Martian habitat at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The rover and drone will be controlled by the crew in the Habitat, but they’ll actually be exploring Martian-like terrain remotely on Earth.
Army Fields Its New RQ-28A Quadcopter Recon DroneThe Skydio RQ-28A is a short-range reconnaissance quadcopter UAS. It’s the Army’s first program-of-record quadcopter drone. Fielding of the RQ-28A was completed in early November 2022 by the Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Office with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning in Georgia. The Army’s short-range reconnaissance (SRR) program seeks to develop an inexpensive, rucksack-portable, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) small unmanned aircraft that provide rapidly deployable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
Apple has Won a Patent for a Possible Future Drone Device that was originally filed in SingaporeApple has been granted a patent for “a system and method for pairing/unpairing UAVs to/from UAV controllers.” Based on a triggering condition, a UAV or a controller may initiate a paring or unpairing of the UAV to or from a host controller and receive a configuration update from a network to confirm the paring or unpairing.
Apple initially filed the patent in Singapore in May 2020 (10202004252X). In November 2021, Apple filed the same patent in the U.S. and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Apple that patent on December 6, 2022. (US 11523323 B2, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle And Controller Association.)
Army trains kites to take down dronesHere, a “kite” refers to a bird of prey in the hawk family. The Indian and US Armies conducted an exercise to publicly demonstrate how birds of prey are being trained to attack drones. The program started in 2020 and training is continuing
Unmanned dogfight: Two drones have allegedly engaged in midair combat over UkraineAerial footage from a Ukrainian drone shows what appears to be that drown taking down a Russian DJI Mavic. The video doesn’t show this with certainty, but it looks like the Ukrainian rammed the Russian Mavic, causing it to veer away suddenly. A few months ago, a video surfaced that shows a similar battle between Russian and Ukrainian quadcopters.
UAV Video of the WeekDrone: Snoqualmie Pass snow
https://youtu.be/xqsdw-wLybYFly over a snow-covered Snoqualmie Pass, a mountain pass for Interstate 90 through the Cascade Range in Washington state.
European drone strategy 2.0, armed drones for Ukraine, drones used for poaching and other wildlife investigations, drone videos of three active volcanoes, dynamically assigning frequencies for UAS command and control, a survey of consumer attitudes on home drone delivery of goods and food, liquid hydrogen power, and the Dover AFB sUAS program.
UAV NewsDrone Strategy 2.0: Creating a large-scale European drone marketThe European Commission adopted the European Drone Strategy 2.0 which offers a vision for the further development of the European drone market. The Commission wants to ensure that society supports drones. By 2030, the Drone Strategy envisions a number of services, including emergency services, mapping, imaging, inspection and surveillance; the urgent delivery of small packages, such as biological samples or medicines; Air Mobility services, like air taxis that provide regular transport services for passengers, initially with a pilot on board, but ultimately fully automated operations.
The Commission’s strategy includes operational, technical, and financial actions:
- Adopting common rules for airworthiness, and new training requirements
- Funding the creation of an online platform to support local stakeholders and industry implementing sustainable Innovative Air Mobility.
- Developing a Strategic Drone Technology Roadmap to identify priority areas for research and innovation, to reduce existing strategic dependencies and to avoid new ones arising.
- Defining criteria for a voluntary cybersecurity-approved drone label.
See: A Drone Strategy 2.0 for a Smart and Sustainable Unmanned Aircraft Eco-System in Europe [PDF].
Senators urge Pentagon to send advanced Gray Eagle drones to UkraineAfter some reports that the Pentagon had decided to not send armed drones to Ukraine, sixteen Senate Republicans and Democrats sent a letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin objecting. In the letter, the Senators say, “This particular [Unmanned Aerial System] will increase Ukraine’s unmanned capabilities in the near term and demands careful reconsideration. Most importantly, armed [Unmanned Aerial Systems] could find and attack Russian warships in the Black Sea, breaking its coercive blockade and alleviate dual pressures on the Ukrainian economy and global food prices.” The General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones can hold up to four Hellfire Missiles.
Poachers beware—new drone team launched to assist in wildlife crime investigationsThe five Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) drone law enforcement officers have been trained and have their FAA pilot licenses. The drones will assist officers in their investigations through increased documentation of crime scenes and locating evidence.
Drones capture video of three active volcanoes around the worldWatch videos of three active volcanoes: Mauna Loa in Hawaii, the Villarrica volcano in Chile, and Russia’s Shiveluch volcano.
uAvionix Awarded FAA contract to Implement and demonstrate C-Band Frequency Assignment Manager (FAM) with Multiple UAS OperationsuAvionix won a contract from the FAA for end-to-end demonstrations of a Frequency Assignment Manager (FAM) as a component of the uAvionix SkyLine™ Command and Control Communications Service Provider (C2CSP) management platform. The system will dynamically assign UAS C-Band Command and Non-Payload Control frequencies to UAS with CNPC radios. uAvionix teamed with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site to develop command and control concepts.
The contract demonstrations include:
- Managing a pool of frequencies in a geographic area.
- Allocating available frequencies to a specific CNPC radio for a specific mission.
- Receiving assigned frequencies for the designated mission.
- CNPC radios operating on the assigned frequencies.
- Non-interference when multiple aircraft are operating in the area.
Do US Consumers Want Drone Delivery? Auterion’s 2022 ReportAuterion surveyed 1,000 Americans to get their perspective on drones. 94% view drones as having a potential positive purpose in the world. 67% view drones as more environmentally friendly than trucks. 57% think the adoption of small-quantity drone deliveries is a good thing for the environment. 47% said they would make a purchase from a specific retailer due to the option of a drone delivery program. 64% believe drones are becoming an option for home delivery now or will be in the near future. Press release: Drones set to make the future of holiday shipping greener. Download the report: Drone Delivery in the United States.
This New Airplane Could Be The First to Fly on Carbon-Free Liquid HydrogenSince 2016, the German company H2Fly has been flying an airplane powered by a hydrogen gas fuel cell. The Hy4 is a four-seat aircraft and in April it set a record for the highest zero-emission flight, at 7,230 feet. H2Fly plans to switch from Hydrogen gas to liquid. That would double the range. Testing is scheduled for 2023. The company has entered into a partnership with Deutsche Aircraft to develop a fuel-cell-powered aircraft that will hold up to 40 passengers, with a range of 1,200 miles.
Video: Präsentation der sechsten Wasserstoff-Antriebsgeneration in der Hy4
https://youtu.be/yXeCf5Fk60EEye in the sky: SUAS program takes flight at Dover AFBThe 436th Airlift Wing Plans and Programs office at Dover AFB has an sUAS program jointly run with the Bedrock Dover AFB Innovation Lab. Recently, a Skydio X2D Small Unmanned Aerial System drone was tested during its first operational flight around a static aircraft at Dover on Nov. 4, 2022. The X2D was selected from other Department of Defense-approved systems due to its advanced obstacle avoidance system and other possible capabilities.
The latest Amazon Prime Air drone, XQ-58A Valkyrie tactical drones, bringing a drone on a cruise ship, a drone light show fail, and attacking a navy with uncrewed surface vessels.
Operations Over People approval for AgEagle, UAV-dominated air forces, women drone pilots in Ukraine, autonomous Black Hawk, drone facilitates robbery, BVLOS corridor in New York, autonomous firefighting helicopter, drones celebrate a game anniversary, increasing lithium battery lifespan.
Community-based drone organizations, Navy drone swarm, Iranian drone components, FAA reauthorization, Chinese cargo drone, Bell Autonomous Pod Transport, specimen sampling with drones, Wing drone crash, Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Nano drones in Ukraine, cloud seeding with drones in China, bots that clean beaches and waterways, a STEM program for young girls, new technologies from Draganfly, and patrolling the airport perimeter.
Automated inspection of solar panels, NUAIR Public Safety Summit, supersonic target drones, Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, Pixy selfie drone, rural law enforcement, UAV that can land on steep roofs.
Automated inspection of solar panels, NUAIR Public Safety Summit, supersonic target drones, Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, Pixy selfie drone, rural law enforcement, UAV that can land on steep roofs.
Women and drones documentary film, Chinese drone submarine, unmanned surface vessels, drone tech to India, portable ATM system, mapping with multiple drones, Ford patent.
Court rules in favor of drone Remote ID rule, drones for Ukraine, drones on Mars, chicken by drone, lifeguard drones, mapping a mountain, NASA Zipline partnership, United sends Archer pre-delivery payment.
Archer Aviation planning full transition flights of their Maker aircraft, drone shuts down Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, protecting sporting events with drones, using lasers for drone communications, RQ-4 Global Hawk end-of-life, alligator attacks drone, a Remote ID device from Aerobits, and the Zephyr UAS flies for 26 days.
Archer Aviation Maker eVTOL.
UAV News
Archer Flight Testing Gains Momentum, On Pace to Achieve Transition Flight By Year End
Archer Aviation Inc. announced it is confident it will achieve its goal of flying full transition flights with its Maker aircraft by year-end. Flight tests of the full-scale 12-motor eVTOL demonstrator aircraft with a Tilt Propeller System (TPS) have been successful.
Maker successfully completed its first hover test flight in December 2021 and since then the engineering team has focused on the development and testing of the systems needed for a full transition to horizontal flight.
Errant drone briefly shuts down D.C. airport
Air traffic was shut down at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for 45 minutes. There is no information about who was operating the drone, if it was taken down, or if it was retrieved.
The DHS told Congress that TSA has reported nearly 2,000 drone sightings near U.S. airports since 2021. Pilots had to take “65 evasive actions” after drones came too close or disturbed aircraft.
World Cup to use drones to help protect stadiums
Utah-based Fortem Technologies has reached an agreement with Qatar's interior ministry to provide the interceptor drones at this winter's Fifa World Cup in Qatar. Fortem’s “DroneHunters” that shoot nets will be able to bring down small rogue drones. These are autonomous, radar-guided drones.
Laser-Controlled Drones Can Evade Signal-Jamming Countermeasures
The counter-drone technology that physically attacks rogue drones with a net or a projectile requires that you track the drone’s movement. On the other hand, signal jamming doesn’t require such precise tracking. But now British company QinetiQ has a way to remotely operate drones without the communication signals that can be jammed. The new system uses lasers or Free-Space Optical Communications (FSO, or FSOC) signals.
Air Force’s RQ-4 Global Hawk drones headed for retirement in FY27
The US Air Force plans to phase out all remaining RQ-4 Global Hawk reconnaissance drones by fiscal 2027. Northrop Grumman was informed they should expect that the fleet will reach its end of life by that date. In a statement, an Air Force spokeswoman said, “Our ability to win future high-end conflicts requires accelerating investment in connected, survivable platforms and accepting short-term risks by divesting legacy ISR assets that offer limited capability against peer and near-peer threats.”
What a snap! Moment alligator leaps out of Brazilian river and devours nosy fisherman's drone in mid-flight
A Brazilian man was testing his new drone and had seen some alligators, so he flew back to the spot. The drone hovered over one of the alligators who eyed the drone for a few seconds. The gator then lept out of the water, grabbed the drone, and swam away.
Video: Alligator leaps out of Brazilian river and snatches drone in mid flight
https://youtu.be/rXeU7_l-PEo
The most advanced Remote ID with WI-FI and BLE technology
Aerobits has launched an advanced version of the idME PRO device that can broadcast on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It provides enhanced identification and tracking for UAS and works with MAVLINK devices. The Wi-Fi can connect to the Pixhawk drone controller via a JST connector. The Bluetooth Low Energy (or BLE) provides surveillance and drone operator identification capability via smartphones or tablets.
US Army conducts high-altitude experiments with Zephyr UAS
The U.S. Army wants to implement ultra-long endurance stratospheric UAS capabilities. During a June 2022 test flight,
Microsoft announces a new AirSim platform to train drone AI systems, Amazon Prime Air eyes deliveries in Texas, Russia looks at Iranian drones, DJI pushes back against the American Security Drone Act, a UK drone superhighway, and new drones from Alphabet’s Wing.
UAV News
Microsoft launches simulator to train drone AI systems
In 2017 Microsoft created the open-source AirSim simulation platform for AI research and experimentation, but a lot of technical machine learning knowledge was needed to use it. Now Microsoft has announced a new Project AirSim platform for teaching autonomous drones to fly. Microsoft is talking with regulators about how AirSim could be used for aircraft certification.
Video: Introducing Microsoft Project AirSim for aerial autonomy
https://youtu.be/mhEw-fecjQY Microsoft AirSim
Amazon's Prime Air drones will soon make deliveries in Texas
Amazon says they’ll ask College Station residents if they are interested in drone deliveries with plans to start later this year. Mayor Karl Mooney said: "Amazon's new facility presents a tremendous opportunity for College Station to be at the forefront of the development of drone delivery technology. We look forward to partnering with Amazon and Texas A&M and are confident that Amazon will be a productive, conscientious, and accountable participant in our community."
The White House says Russian officials visited Iran to view drones for use in Ukraine
US intelligence says Russia is interested in obtaining Iranian military drones. Satellite images show Russian officials visiting Iran twice with Shahed-191 and Shahed-129 drones on display and in flight.
DJI reportedly making headway against US drone blacklist legislation
The Financial Times reports the DJI has been pushing back at the American Security Drone Act (ASDA). That act would prohibit U.S. federal funding from being used to buy Chinese drones, broaden the bans, and make it difficult for a ban to be rescinded. Notably, the bill was not retained in the National Defense Authorization Act passed by the House. Nevertheless, several Republican representatives vowed to make the ASDA law in a final version, or on its own.
A 165-Mile Drone Superhighway Will Soon Be Built in the UK
Project Skyway is the UK plan to build a 165-mile (265 kilometer) “drone superhighway” up to 10 km wide connecting the airspace above Reading, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Coventry, and Rugby. The project consortium is led by Altitude Angel, a UTM (Unified Traffic Management) solution provider.
Video: Project Skyway 150722
https://youtu.be/fmxFEM1OdDw
New Specialized Delivery Drones Unveiled
New delivery drones from Wing are tailored to be efficient for different delivery missions. The largest drone can carry 7 pounds while the smallest can carry up to 0.6 pounds. These use common motors, controllers, batteries, and the materials and processes to build them.
Video: The Aircraft Library | Wing
https://youtu.be/iqs8lXLCRuY
A coaxial drone patent, locals push back on Amazon, autonomous battery swapping, battlefield medicine, drones in sports, saving elm trees, investigating polluters.
The Dufour Aerospace CCO explains the manned and unmanned eVTOL tilt-wing platforms being developed by the company.
The Navy says they were drones not UFOs, an air assault experiment with a drone swarm, drone deployment planned for Africa, a drone that kills wasps, flying in the wind with deep learning, the unique view from above, and Walmart drone delivery service expansion.
Public meeting scheduled for BVLOS ARC Final Report, MQ-9B STOL, closing Skyward, bombs and commercial drones, DJI indoor drone, Commercial UAV Expo 2022, drone docking systems.
We discuss the C-UAS National Action Plan recently released by the White House. The Plan calls for specific measures that address shortfalls in the ability of law enforcement to protect against rogue drones.
Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan
Jeffrey Starr
In episode 401, we talked about the Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan issued by the White House. We wanted to explore this Action Plan in more detail so we invited Jeffrey Starr, the Chief Marketing Officer at D-Fend Solutions to join us for an analysis of the Action Plan.
The Action Plan seeks to protect against the increasing threat of UAS in unauthorized airspace by calling on Congress to “adopt legislation to close critical gaps in existing law and policy that currently impede government and law enforcement from protecting the American people and our vital security interests.”
In our conversation, we look at some of the elements of the Plan, including;
- Extending detection and mitigation authority to State, Local, Territorial, Tribal (SLTT), and Critical Infrastructure Levels
- Creating an authorized technology list
- Placement of C-UAS mitigation equipment at critical infrastructure sites
- A National training center
- A Federal UAS incident tracking database
- Establishing a comprehensive criminal statute
Jeffrey points out that the Plan safeguards the expansion of positive UAS activity while also protecting against malicious actors. He also makes the case that next-generation detection and mitigation technologies must be employed to overcome the limitations of legacy systems.
We thank Jeffrey for bringing his knowledge and experience to the conversation about the issues that the Administration’s Action Plan seeks to address.
D-Fend Solutions supports the growth of safe and secure drone adoption, along with innovative solutions that defend against rogue drone threats. Their technology has protected world leaders, gatherings, and organizations from the threat of rogue drones, including at the G7 Summit and championship sporting events. The company’s flagship offering is EnforceAir, which has been deployed worldwide at forward-operating bases, borders and ports, international airports, federal government agencies, and many other places.
Vertiport opens in England, military tactical UAS, detect-and-avoid deployment, Army drone swarm, drone legislation, NTSB drones, DJI suspends business in Russia and Ukraine, Drone Safety Day.
A new vertiport opens in England, a new military tactical UAS, detect-and-avoid system deployment at a UAS test site, major Army drone swarm test, request for malicious drone legislation, NTSB wants more drones and pilots, DJI suspends business in Russia and Ukraine, and Drone Safety Day.
Courtesy Urban-Air Port
UAV News World’s first airport for drones opens in the heart of Coventry An Air-One vertiport opened in Coventry, England for demonstrations of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. It is planned to remain in Coventry for at least a month then will move to other UK locations, and internationally. The circular vertiport structure with a central takeoff and landing zone includes traveler processing, arrival/departure lounge, baggage scanning, and retail.
Urban-Air Port Limited designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and operates infrastructure for urban air transport such as air taxis and autonomous delivery drones. The company wants to create a ground infrastructure that permits a “zero-emission-mobility ecosystem” and cuts congestion and air pollution. The company plans more than 200 vertiports worldwide over the next five years.
Meet ‘Phoenix Ghost,’ the US Air Force’s new drone perfect for Ukraine’s war with Russia The Phoenix Ghost Tactical UAS was designed by the US Air Force and manufactured by AEVEX Aerospace. Similar to the Switchblade, it’s believed to be a single-use drone but the Pentagon isn’t providing any details.
NUAIR Partners with CAL Analytics and FAA Under a Technical Assistance program with the FAA, CAL Analytics will deploy its detect-and-avoid system for low-altitude BVLOS operations at the New York UAS Test Site. NUAIR (the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance) manages the 50-mile Drone Corridor and FAA uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in New York.
The CAL detect-and-avoid service provides a suite of UTM services including situational awareness, conflict detection, health monitoring, and various weather services. The recent BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee recommended that the FAA develop a methodology for approving safety-critical UTM services for BVLOS.
Army To Test Its Biggest Interactive Drone Swarm Ever Over Utah The Army’s 2022 Experimental Demonstration Gateway Exercise (EDGE 22) will test up to 30 small networked drones launched from air and ground vehicles. This will include Area-I ALTIUS 600 drones and Raytheon-built Coyote drones. The swarm will use infrared sensors and electronic warfare payloads to detect enemy signals, establish their positions, and send the information back through the network to command posts and manned assault aircraft. The EDGE 22 exercise runs from April 25 to May 12, 2022, at Dugway Proving Ground near Salt Lake City, Utah.
The White House wants to counter the use of drones in the U.S. The White House issued an action plan to deal with malicious drones: FACT SHEET: The Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan. The plan asks to “adopt legislation to close critical gaps in existing law and policy that currently impede government and law enforcement from protecting the American people and our vital security interests.” The action plan:
- Expands the set of tools and actors who can protect against UAS by reauthorizing and expanding existing counter‑UAS authorities for the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Defense, State, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency and NASA in limited situations.
- Expands UAS detection authorities for state, local, territorial, and Tribal (SLTT) law enforcement agencies and critical infrastructure owners and operators.
- Creates a Federally-sponsored pilot program for selected SLTT law enforcement agency participants to perform UAS mitigation activities and permit critical infrastructure owners and operators to purchase authorized equipment to be used by appropriate Federal or SLTT law enforcement agencies to protect their facilities;
- Establishes a list of U.S. Government-authorized detection equipment, approved by Federal security and regulatory agencies, to guide authorized entities in purchasing UAS detection systems
- Establishes oversight and enablement mechanisms to support critical infrastructure owners and operators in purchasing counter-UAS equipment for use by authorized Federal entities or SLTT law enforcement agencies;
- Establishes a National Counter-UAS Training Center to increase training accessibility and promote interagency cross-training and collaboration;
- Creates a Federal UAS incident tracking database
- Establishes a mechanism to coordinate research, development, testing, and evaluation of UAS detection and mitigation technology across the Federal government;
- Enacts a comprehensive criminal statute that sets clear standards for legal and illegal uses, closes loopholes in existing Federal law, and establishes adequate penalties to deter the most serious UAS-related crimes; and
- Enhances cooperation with the international community on counter‑UAS technologies, as well as the systems designed to defeat them.
National Transportation Safety Board Wants To Expand Drone Operations The NTSB has a history of using drones in their investigations to document accident scenes and process the data using photogrammetry software. Currently, they have five pilots and seven drones but the NTSB wants more pilots and more drones.
Chinese drone maker DJI halts business in Russia and Ukraine In an April 26 statement (DJI Reassesses Sales Compliance Efforts In Light Of Current Hostilities), the company said:
“DJI is internally reassessing compliance requirements in various jurisdictions. Pending the current review, DJI will temporarily suspend all business activities in Russia and Ukraine. We are engaging with customers, partners and other stakeholders regarding the temporary suspension of business operations in the affected territories.”
DJI
Ukrainian authorities claimed the Russian military was “using DJI products in order to navigate” missile attacks, and said DJI was complicit in Russian attacks. DJI has publicly stated they are opposed to their products being used for military purposes.
Drone Safety Day The FAA has organized a National Drone Safety Awareness Week each year from 2019 through 2021. This year, however, the FAA is calling for a single Drone Safety Day, Saturday, June 18, 2022, with five focus areas:
- Education – How to safely operate drones and highlighting how drones are being used in education.
- Economics – Highlighting the economic, societal, and safety benefits of using drone technologies.
- Equity – Opening opportunities for all operators.
- Environment – Understanding the environmental and sustainability benefits of drone technologies.
- Emergencies – Learn how drones are used in emergency situations such as: natural disasters, search & rescue, firefighting, public safety, and other uses.
On the National Center for Autonomous Technologies Drone Safety Day page, you can browse all the Drone Safety Day events, sign up to attend, and submit your own event.
UAV Video of the Week Insane FPV Footage of Downhill Urban Bike Racing in Chile
The Red Bull Valparaíso Cerro Abajo urban downhill bike race is held annually in Chile. The 2-kilometer course goes down narrow staircases and alleyways and even through a house. A video of racer Thomas Slavik cycling through the run was filmed by the Dutch Drone Gods, considered to be among the best FPV drone pilots in the world.
Creating a U-Space ecosystem for UAV and eVTOL, a hypersonic UAV project in Australia, how to Rickroll a crowd with 300 drones, the Switchblade drone in Ukraine, the outlook for agricultural drones, drone delivery service in Texas, and drones and export laws
UAV News Droniq CEO Jan-Eric Putze on Creating a UAV and eVTOL Ecosystem Droniq is a German company that provides hardware and software solutions for UAS Traffic Management (UTM). They started in 2016 as a research project of Deutsche Telecom and DFS, which is Germany’s air navigation service provider. CEO Putze says, “We have a highly regulated air environment and a highly unregulated drone world. We’re trying to come together.” He notes that the drone economy innovates using trial and error but manned aviation doesn’t work that way. Also, the drone industry and manned aviation can learn from each other.
The U-Space system is in test in Germany but other EU states are behind and probably won’t meet the January 2023 U-Space deadline.
Read more about U-Space:
- The U-Space Deadline is January 2023. What Has to Happen Before That? A Conversation with ANRAs Amit Ganjoo
- France Chooses 8 UTM Providers to Create a Best of Breed Integrated Solution U-Space Together
Putze is also the president of the Alliance for New Mobility Europe (AME), a new organization that brings together stakeholders in the European UAV and eVTOL market.
Australian hypersonic UAV project awarded $2.95 million federal funding The project partners are developing the DART CMP Airframe, a hydrogen-powered vehicle using the Hypersonix SPARTAN scramjet engine. Fully reusable, with ceramic matrix composites (CMC) components, the DART CMP should travel at speeds up to Mach 12. The project will begin in July 2022. Partners include Hypersonix Launch Systems (Sydney), the University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba), LSM Advanced Composites (Harlaxton), and Romar Engineering (Sefton).
300 Drones Formed a QR Code That Rick Rolled Dallas on April Fools’ Day Sky Elements Drone Shows formed a giant QR code with 300 drones over Dallas on April 1, 2022. Those who followed the link wound up at Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” music video.
Switchblade: A look at the drone the US is sending to Ukraine The AeroVironment Switchblade (sometimes called the Kamikaze), was introduced in 2011 and developed for US Special Forces in Afghanistan. The Switchblade 300 is designed to attack personnel and light vehicles, can be carried in a backpack, and is just over ½ meter long. The larger Switchblade 600 has a Javelin anti-armour warhead, requires a 10-minute setup, weighs 23 kg, and can fly out 40 km in 20 minutes, then loiter another 20 min.
https://youtu.be/FDZjR5a4NxA
Global Agriculture Drones Market Forecasts to 2026: Exemptions Provided by US FAA for the Use of Agriculture Drones and Increasing Investments ResearchAndMarkets.com is offering the Agriculture Drones Market – Forecasts from 2021 to 2026 report. The agriculture drones market was projected to grow at a CAGR of 32.49%, reaching US$7 billion by 2026. Drone use in agriculture is growing and is seen as a reliable and cost-effective tool. Just published is a new report: Agriculture Drones Market – Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 – 2027) with a lower 7.1% CAGR, largely due to the industry effects of COVID-19.
More drone delivery services take flight in North Texas The drone food delivery service Flytrex has started Granbury, Texas. Using the Flytrex app, customers can order from several restaurants and have their food delivered by drone to their yard. Flytrex also operates in three North Carolina locations. (Holly Springs, Raeford, and Fayetteville).
Video: Flytrex Sky Delivery Takes Off In Texas
https://youtu.be/Zt8NRpyPOtc
As Drones Grow More Sophisticated, Export Rules Still Stuck in 1980s, Experts Say The 1987 Missile Technology Control Regime defines unmanned systems in the same category as missiles. To comply, the State Department has frequently killed proposed foreign military sales of drones. But if the drones can’t be purchased from the U.S., others are more than happy to supply them, including China. A recent paper from The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies discusses the issue: Building Alliances and Competing with China: The Imperative for UAV Export Reforms.
Commercial UAV Expo 2022 September 6 – 8, 2022 Las Vegas
The Commercial UAV Expo is a leading trade show and conference that focuses on the integration and operation of commercial UAS with more exhibitors than any other commercial drone event.
Industries covered include Construction; Drone Delivery; Energy & Utilities; Forestry & Agriculture; Infrastructure & Transportation; Mining & Aggregates; Public Safety & Emergency Services; Security; and Surveying & Mapping. The Commercial UAV Expo was launched in 2015 and it gathers the international drone ecosystem under one roof.
You’ll find educational opportunities, unparalleled networking, and more exhibits than any other commercial drone event. It’s really a must-attend event if you hope to keep up with the newest technology and developments. The Expo is presented by Commercial UAV News and organized by Diversified Communications. Use the hashtag #expouav.
U-Space ecosystem for UAV and eVTOL, hypersonic UAV project, Rick roll with 300 drones, Switchblade drone in Ukraine, outlook for agricultural drones, Texas drone delivery service, drones and export laws.
The proposed BREEZE drone for Venus, a tethered drone for first responders, river rescue missions, taking out drones with Thor’s hammer, UAS over the Arctic, drone deliveries to offshore wind farms, and hobby drones in Ukraine.
UAV News NASA considers bird-like drones to explore Venus’s atmosphere NASA wants to study the use of drones that fly through the Venusian atmosphere and study the planet. BREEZE, or Bioinspired Ray for Extreme Environments and Zonal Exploration, will be funded for a two-year concept study. The BREEZE drones would be inflatable, fly at altitudes between 50-60 km, and ride zonal winds. This is one of 17 proposals under the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program.
Video: BREEZE | A Revolutionary Ray-inspired Airship Concept for Aerial Venus Exploration
https://youtu.be/QoZEzKNURJg
NCDOT launches national first with tethered drones on IMAP Trucks Three years ago, in episode 285, we covered the Fotokite tethered drone and their partnership with Pierce Manufacturing. Now we see that the North Carolina Department of Transportation is launching a pilot with Fotokite. Some IMAP (Incident Management Assistance Patrol) vehicles will be fitted with tethered drones to provide situational awareness to the NCDOT Operations and Traffic Management Centers and assist with overall traffic management of the incidents.
Iris Automation receives FAA waiver to test BVLOS drones in Nevada river rescue missions The Iris Automation waiver allows them to fly BVLOS in a rural, unpopulated area south of Reno, Nevada using the company’s Casia X detect and avoid system. Iris is working with the City of Reno and the Reno Fire Department (RFD) which conducts about 40 rescues per year at the Truckee River.
Killing drones with Thor’s hammer: Air Force eyes counter-UAS ‘Mjölnir’ weapon The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has awarded a $26 million counter-UAS contract to Leidos. The company will build a prototype system that disables sUAS with high-power microwaves. Called Mjölnir, the name of Thor’s hammer, it builds on previous work under the Tactical High Power Operational Responder, or THOR, program. THOR is a counter-swarm electromagnetic weapon that uses non-kinetic energy to defeat multiple targets. In 2020, the Defense Department became so concerned it created the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Office, led by the Army.
Earth News: NASA is helping fly drones in the arctic — here’s what that means for sea ice and sea level change NASA is leading a team to show that a fixed-winged drone could fly over the Arctic ocean for several days. The attritable UAS from Vanilla Unmanned is designed for multi-day surveillance and inspection operations. In this application, a drone with sensors can capture more accurate data than is the case with satellites.
Project Seeks to Build Drones to Supply Offshore Wind Farms The drones would be customized to deliver supplies and other items to offshore wind farms in the Asia-Pacific region. Two Singapore-based companies signed an MOU to co-develop the drones: Marco Polo Marine Ltd., a regional integrated marine logistics company; and F-drones, developer of large autonomous delivery drones. The delivery drones are expected to reduce cost by 90 percent, be four times faster, and reduce carbon footprint.
Hobby drones at war: How do they help Ukraine? In a February Facebook post, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense says it is looking for drones and for pilots: “Do you own a drone? Give it to experienced pilots to use!” and “Do you know how to drive a drone? Join the joint patrol with units 112 of the separate brigade of the city of Kyiv!”
UAV Video of the Week The PGA Tour is using drones to follow golf shots like this one from Rory McIlroy and it’s so cool
BREEZE drone for Venus, first responder tethered drone, river rescue, Thor’s hammer C-UAS, UAS in the Arctic, offshore wind farm deliveries, Ukraine hobby drones.
Autonomous cargo drone, noise research, vehicle inspection drone, high-speed VTOL challenge, beach trash, UAS in unsegregated airspace, Western parts in Russian drone, longest BVLOS waiver, intelligent drone controller.
The design for a large autonomous cargo drone, important noise research, Ford’s idea for a vehicle inspection drone, a high-speed VTOL concept challenge, identifying human trash on the beach, UAS in unsegregated airspace, Western parts in a Russian drone, the longest BVLOS waiver issued by the FAA so far, and an intelligent drone controller that “looks ahead.”
UAV News Drones as Big as 747s Will Fly Cargo Around the World With Low Emissions, Startup Says Natilus has designed a blended wing cargo drone that the company says allows it to carry 60 percent more cargo, slashes cost by 60 percent, and produces 50 percent fewer carbon emissions. Founded in 2016, the company announced $6 billion worth of pre-orders for over 440 of its aircraft. Four models are envisioned with cargo capacities ranging from 3.5 to 130 tons. Natilus has completed two wind tunnel tests and the first flight of a full-scale prototype is planned for 2023.
Video: Natilus Wind Tunnel Test 2021
https://youtu.be/BwgYEHrC0J8
Natilus Announces $6 Billion in Advance Purchase Commitments to Deliver Autonomous Cargo Aircraft to Customers The advanced purchase commitments are for the delivery of 440+ aircraft in pre-orders, from Volatus Aerospace, Astral Aviation, Aurora International, Dymond Group, and Flexport. Others are to be announced. Flexport completed a $900 million investment round and has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) for two 100T Natilus aircraft, with an option for a third.
Drowning Out the Sound of Drones Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are studying aeroacoustics using microphones in an anechoic chamber to test the frequency, wavelength, and amplitude of sound from drones. However, the “acceptable” noise level depends on where people are, the time of day, and the goal of the technology. For example, you might not mind the noise if the drone is delivering key medical supplies, but you might mind if it’s a pizza delivery to your neighbor.
Ford wants to hide spy drones in autonomous cars Ford has patented a concept where a drone is hidden somewhere inside the vehicle, specifically, inside an autonomous ride-hailing car. The secret drone could inspect the vehicle for damage after the ride. Ford is co-owner of the Argo AI autonomous car company which plans a ride-hailing service.
Jaunt Air Mobility attracts market research investment to advance “U.S. DoD high-speed VTOL capabilities” The AFWERX High-Speed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (HSVTOL) Concept Challenge is a crowdsourcing effort for the United States Air Force and U.S Special Operations Command. Jaunt Air Mobility is one of 11 companies selected from 200 applicants to research solutions that enable optimal agility in harsh and difficult environments. Under the contract, Jaunt will develop two conceptual designs – the initial aircraft for the Multi-Mission Air Vehicle (MAV 55). That combines the features of a fixed-wing aircraft with VTOL. The AFWERX Challenge is a high-quality market research program, that uses design thinking workshops, crowdsourcing, events, and innovative contracting.
AI-enabled drones will tell human teams where to find marine debris Researchers from Oregon State University and the NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) began a research project in June 2020, to use drones to identify human-made debris on the beach. Machine-learning algorithms were used to locate and classify synthetic-material objects. Drones would fly along the coastline and identify the debris to be removed.
Israel becomes 1st country allowing drones flight in civilian airspace: minister The Israeli Civil Aviation Authority has given its approval for a UAS to operate in civilian airspace. The Elbit Hermes Starliner will be able to fly in the same unsegregated airspace as piloted vehicles. Planned missions include border security and anti-terror operations, security at large public events, maritime search and rescue, commercial aviation and environmental inspection, and precision agriculture work.
Russian drones shot down over Ukraine were full of Western parts. Can the U.S. cut them off? A Russian surveillance drone was shot down in 2017 when Ukrainian forces were fighting Russia-backed separatists. When it was opened, the drone contained a German-made engine, navigation and communication chips made by U.S. companies, a motion-sensing chip from a British company, and Other components from Switzerland and South Korea.
The Longest Distance BVLOS Waiver Yet: Censys and Soaring Eagle Technologies The BVLOS waiver is for 12 miles to inspect power lines. That’s the longest waiver the FAA has granted. Censys Technologies Corporation builds remote sensing solutions for UAS service providers, enterprise organizations, and government entities. Soaring Eagle Technologies is focused on structure inspections and aerial mapping. The companies are using Casia, the detect-and-avoid system from Iris Automation.
UAV Video of the Week NFL Creates Super Bowl Show In The Sky With 500 Drones
https://youtu.be/8pfvfSCPFN0
The NFL flew 500 drones over the Convention Center to create a Super Bowl show in the sky.
Mentioned Built-in Intelligence Comes to Small, Pilotless Fixed-wing Planes Commercial controllers work well for simple paths, but high winds can cause a pilotless aircraft to go off course and crash. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing an onboard guidance algorithm for precision path-following. In tests, the controller allowed an autonomous drone to adjust to disturbances and modulate its airspeed as it followed a demanding path. It was faster and more accurate than a commercial guidance controller. The aircraft used a nonlinear numerical model for predictive control.
American Helicopter Museum UAV Digest listeners can enjoy a one-year individual membership at a 50% discount. For $25.00 (normally $50.00) you get:
- Unlimited admission to the Museum for one year, including the March 4 event, “The Helicopter and the Presidency.”
- Two One-Day Guest Passes.
- Admission to FamilyFest and SantaFest.
- Invitations to Member Receptions.
- 10% discount on gift shop purchases.
This offer is good through May 31, 2022, at this link.
CycloTech propulsion for eVTOLs, the first autonomous Blackhawk helicopter flight, the little drone carrying meth, universities study Verizon 5G drone applications, a Wisconsin bill to ban government use of DJI, and Navy unmanned underwater vehicles.
UAV News Markus Steinke on CycloTech’s cycloidal rotor concept The cycloidal rotor concept uses a large, open, rotating spool with airfoils that run between the ends of the spool. The vehicle has four spools (or rotors), one at each corner. Last year, Austrian company CycloTech conducted the first free flight of their technology demonstrator. The CycloRotor thrust can be directed in a 360-degree direction around the axis of rotation. The design has advantages that are desirable for eVTOL operations, including a smooth transition from vertical to horizontal flight and vice versa, precision maneuvering, and the decoupling of aircraft body attitude from the flight path.
Video: CycloTech GmbH First Free Flight
https://youtu.be/I2qkhmz4z1E
Safe, Reliable, and Uninhabited: First Autonomous BLACK HAWK® Helicopter Flight With the flick of a switch, the DARPA S-70 Blackhawk helicopter goes from piloted to unpiloted. In this first flight, the S-70 autonomously completed a pre-flight checklist, started its engines, spun up its rotors, and took off with no crew on board. The ALIAS system (Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System) on-board sensors provided real-time obstacle data as the helicopter navigated through a simulated cityscape.
Video: First Uninhabited Black Hawk Flight
https://youtu.be/VbtyBIO8dXA
A tiny DJI drone smuggled its own weight in drugs over the US border wall Last October, the US Border Patrol spotted a DJI Mini 2 flying over the 25-foot-high fence. The drone landed in a parking lot and a Mercedes pulled up to retrieve it. An Agent grabbed the drone first. The 249g DJI Mini 2 was carrying 259g of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained a warrant to search the drone for evidence that might lead to the pilot. It’s not clear if the warrant asks DJI to provide information about the drone flight.
Verizon taps universities for 5G drones, manufacturing Verizon is working with two universities to develop and demonstrate use cases for low-latency networks. Verizon deployed millimeter wave 5G at the California Institute of Technology and the Pennsylvania State University. The universities will trial using AI to interpret drone data and research ways to improve and automate manufacturing processes.
INTERVIEW: Sen. Roger Roth on bill to ban Chinese-made drones Wisconsin State Senator Roger Roth represents Senate District 19 and co-sponsored 2021 Assembly Bill 907 (text) restricting state and local governmental acquisition, possession, and use of certain drones. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
This bill prohibits local governmental units and state agencies from acquiring or… possessing or using drones manufactured or distributed by SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd. … or any entity that is determined by the U.S. Department of Justice to be subject to or vulnerable to extrajudicial direction from a foreign government.
2021 Assembly Bill 907
Navy enhancing sensors, navigation, and autonomy capabilities for growing fleet of unmanned submarines Huntington Ingalls Industries has been designing and producing underwater drones for the Navy. Their REMUS (Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS) series of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV) has been launched from submarines and can explore hazardous areas autonomously. The Navy is looking at small, medium, large, and extra-large UUVs as well as unmanned surface vessels, and unmanned aircraft.
UAV Video of the Week Video: Watch a drone capture SpaceX Falcon 9’s latest launch and landing!
https://youtu.be/DrrZPBC9kUE
The NROL-87 mission successfully launched February 2, 2022, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and carried a national security payload designed, built, and operated by the National Reconnaissance Office.
CycloTech eVTOL propulsion, autonomous Blackhawk, drug running, university 5G study, Wisconsin bill to ban govt use of DJI, Navy unmanned underwater vehicles.
A drone-as-a-service network in Germany, drones as tools, impact of AI on UAV capability, hypersonic drone, apple-picking drone, digital twin of a national treasure, a lethal killer drone.
A drone-as-a-service company is building a country-wide network in Germany, drones as tools, the impact of AI on UAV capability, a new hypersonic drone, an apple-picking drone, creating a digital twin of a national treasure, and a lethal killer drone.
Beagle Systems drone station.
UAV News Beagle Systems launches first station in country-wide drone network In Germany, Beagle Systems GmbH is building a nationwide network of landing and charging stations for drones. Beagle Systems is a drone-as-a-service provider that specializes in long-range UAS flights that are controlled from the Hamburg company headquarters. The company hopes to serve the delivery, courier, and express services market.
The Real-Life Evolution of the Drone Early on, some people considered drones to be “toys.” But drones have come a long way since then. Now they are tools for marketing, wildfire restoration, wildlife study, public safety, newsgathering, and a lot more.
The Role Of Drones In Connecting AI And Human Intelligence Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an increasing role in the missions of UAVs. Deep learning algorithms are trained with images and used to classify items detected by a variety of sensors. Affordable AI solutions are available and their integration with drones will continue to accelerate.
Hypersonix and Kratos to Launch Hypersonic Drone Next Year The DART AE drone is 3D-printed and powered by a hydrogen scramjet engine. A Kratos Defense booster will accelerate the vehicle to over Mach 5, then the Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd. scramjet engine will ignite. Mach 5 to 12 speeds are claimed for the engine which has been tested in a shock tunnel up to Mach 10. The drone will fly autonomously “along a programmed flight path to a predetermined landing location.”
Apple drones are now reality… in orchards cultivating fruit Apple growers have found that it is difficult to find workers to pick apples. Israeli startup Tevel Aerobotics Technologies is offering its Flying Autonomous Robots (FAR) platform. A ground vehicle slowly drives between rows of fruit trees while several quadcopters are tethered to the vehicle. They have arms and articulated grippers that identify ripe apples, pick them and place the crop on QR-coded spots.
How Did Data Captured by Drones Help Create a Digital Twin of the Széchenyi Chain Bridge? The Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Hungary opened in 1849 and is an historic landmark. Upgrade work on the 380m-long, 14.8m-wide suspension bridge began in 2021 and they wanted to capture a “digital twin” of the bridge. A team worked to scan and model the bridge using ground surveys, aerial scans, and boats. Ventus Tech provides professional aerial and sonar surveys and they collaborated with BimfraKft., a Building Information Modeling (BIM) firm.
Video: Széchenyi lánchíd digitális ikermodell elkészítése [Development of the digital twin model of the Széchenyi chain bridge]
https://youtu.be/AeRhSdKPn6U
Mentioned Smart Shooter’s launches SMASH Dragon UAV
Smart Shooter designs, develops, and manufactures automatic targeting and firing systems for small arms. Their new SMASH Dragon is an armed drone system.
Video: SMASH Dragon Unveiled | Why An Unmanned Drone Killer UAV Is What Israel Needs Right Now
https://youtu.be/5cbE5lE47rk
A $1B counter-UAS contract, Kittyhawk air mobility, sports game halted, drones in UAE, Navajo Nation medical deliveries, locating pets after a disaster, surveying volcanos, unidentified drone spotted, a drone research contract.
A $1B counter-UAS contract, Kittyhawk air mobility, sports game halted, no recreational drones in UAE, medical deliveries in the Navajo Nation, locating pets after a disaster, peeking at volcanos, an unidentified drone spotted, and a drone research contract at a UAS test site.
UAV News US Special Ops Command Awards $1B Counter-Drone Contract Anduril Industries has won a 10-year, $1 billion counter-UAS integration contract. Awarded by US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Anduril is to “deliver, advance, and sustain” counter-UAS sensors and systems in a layered configuration. Anduril’s cUAS Lattice system includes a solar-powered Sentry Tower with sensors and the Anvil sUAS, all running on the Lattice operating system. The system “autonomously detects, classifies, and tracks targets, alerting operators to threats and allowing options for mitigation or engagement.”
A Larry Page-backed drone guru expects you to be a future passenger. Here’s why Larry Page funded Kittyhawk and picked up a portion of 3D Robotics, co-founded by Chris Anderson, now the Kittyhawk COO. Kittyhawk pivoted from air mobility with a pilot to pilotless.
I am a drone guy, and this was the perfect, obvious next chapter, just bigger drones and the use case is so much more obvious, moving people from A to B more quickly and as cheaply as a car is the kind of mission I can get behind. On the tech side, there is no reason we can’t move a significant fraction of people off the roads and into the sky.
Chris Anderson
Premier League clash between Brentford and Wolves halted for 19 minutes due to a DRONE hovering over the west London stadium Play of the English Premier League was halted due to an “unofficial drone” flying over the field. Both teams returned to the dressing rooms while a helicopter was used to try and shoo the drone away.
UAE bans flying of recreational drones after fatal attack Recreational drones and light sport aircraft have been banned in the United Arab Emirates. This follows a fatal drone attack on an oil facility and a major airport. Also, some people were flying drones outside the area of their permits, often into areas where drones are prohibited. The penalty for violating the ban is heavy: Six months in jail and Dh100,000 fine for flying drones in the UAE, prosecutors says.
Navajo Nation to use drones to deliver medical supplies The “Healing Eagle Feather” project is a partnership between MissionGo and the Navajo Nation to deliver medical supplies and other essentials with drones to people in remote areas. Cargo includes insulin kits, prepackaged meals, large animal medicine, emergency communication devices, and anti-venom. In Episode 375 we talked with MissionGO’s Frank Paskiewicz, EVP of Cargo Operations, and Ryan Henderson, Lead Pilot.
Drones for Animal Rescue: Doug Thron Flies Around the World, Saving Pets and Wildlife After Natural Disasters Douglas Thron is a photographer and drone pilot who travels to natural disasters and conducts animal rescues. He uses a Matrice 210 V2 drone with a FLIR XT2 camera and has found and rescued distressed animals around the world. The HBO Max TV show “Doug to the Rescue” chronicles the rescues.
Volcano-observing Drone Flights Open Door to Routine Hazard Monitoring Under a long-term collaboration between NASA and Black Swift Technologies, the S2 UAS flew over the Makushin Volcano in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. The U.S. Geological Survey provided a payload that detects gases and collects visual and thermal images. The S2 fixed-wing drone is designed to carry scientific payloads in demanding atmospheric conditions.
Pilot Video And FAA Interview Reveal Bizarre Encounter With Unidentified Aircraft Over Atlantic City An Air Force pilot flying a Diamond DA40 observed a strange drone above Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 16th, 2018. The KC-135 aerial refueling tanker pilot said the drone followed his aircraft.
Video: Unidentified Aircraft Encounter Over Atlantic City 9/16/18 Air-To-Air Video
https://youtu.be/LXZzsPhAC7o
FAA awards contracts for drone research at Grand Sky More than $2 million was awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Appareo Systems LLC. GA-ASI will focus on detect-and-avoid technology while Appareo will examine how radio signals function at different altitudes and in different environments. They’ll also conduct research to evaluate the use of LTE cellular networks for unmanned aircraft. The companies will work in conjunction with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, near Grand Forks Air Force Base.
UAV Video of the Week Video: MONSTER WAIMEA BAY (part one) Heavy Carnage
https://youtu.be/BtOd3as6RBw
Video: MONSTER WAIMEA BAY (part two) Taming The Beast
https://youtu.be/mTx9bz9mhFs
Partnerships for hydrogen drones and maritime drone deliveries, Li-Air batteries, U.S. troop attacks, flying over a school, UPS delivery drones, flying in the fog, save a dog with a drone.
A partnership for hydrogen drones and another partnership for maritime drone deliveries, Lithium-Air batteries, drones attacking U.S. troops, flying a drone over a school, UPS commitment to delivery drones, flying in the fog, and how to save a dog with a drone.
UAV News
DS30 hydrogen drone. Courtesy DMI.
SoCalGas to deploy Doosan hydrogen drones in pipeline inspections At this year’s CES, Southern California Gas Co. announced a partnership with Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) and GTI to launch a hydrogen drone demonstration. DMI will be demonstrating their DS30 octocopter drone system that uses a DMI hydrogen fuel cell powerpack for up to 120 minutes of flight time. The DS30 can carry an 11-pound maximum payload and monitor a 1-mile-long pipeline in a single flight. SoCalGas plans to use the DS30 drone for natural gas pipeline inspections.
Zero CO2 Emissions Drone Delivery with Sky-Drones Technologies Sky-Drones Technologies and F-Drones are partnering to provide maritime deliveries. F-Drones Focuses on deliveries between shore, ships, and offshore platforms. They use electric autonomous VTOLs. Sky-Drones Technologies offers hardware and software for flight control, ground control, communication systems, and a cloud-based management platform. With Sky-Drones’ technology, F-Drones can relay, record, and replay live video footage from their VTOLs.
Video: SmartAP AIRLink – How it’s made
https://youtu.be/2gg9Ne488KQ
Scientists Design Lithium-air Batteries for Commercial Use in EVs, Drones Lithium-ion batteries are nice but don’t have the energy density we’d like. On the other hand, Lithium-air batteries could have two to five times the energy density. The development of rechargeable Li-air batteries has progressed, but the study of their operation in real-world applications is lacking.
A shadowy drone force keeps attacking US troops American troops in Iraq have been attacked with drones three times this year. All drones were shot down during attacks near Baghdad airport and near an airbase. Small drones have been used in other attacks, including in Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia.
Policy addresses drones over school property The Wilkes North Carolina school board has a new policy for flying drones over school property. It requires a written request for permission submitted to the superintendent or his designee at least three days in advance. Names and contact information for anyone connected with the flight are required, as well as proof of insurance coverage, proof of any required FAA permits, proof of any required N.C. Department of Transportation permit, and a detailed flight plan with a specific time and location.
UPS unlikely to revise use of drones in deliveries, despite CEO’s quasi ‘meh’ assessment At an American Chamber of Commerce event, UPS CEO Carol Tomé said, “You can’t fly [drones] when it’s windy. You can’t fly them when it’s rainy. There are lots of issues with drones.” So is UPS toning down expectations? The article suggests this is more a “matter of UPS recalibrating rather than repudiating its use of [drones].”
Wait, why is NASA flying drones in dense fog? NASA is flying drones in the fog because AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) aircraft will need to fly in the fog. At a special New Mexico facility, a 180-foot long fog chamber is fitted with the same types of sensors to be used for AAM aircraft, like optical and infrared cameras, radar, and LiDAR. A drone test target is at the other end of the chamber. NASA says it will release the data to companies and researchers working on sensors for AAM vehicles.
Stranded dog saved from rising tide after rescuers attach sausage to drone Little Millie likes to wander off and she found her way onto some mudflats. The tide was coming in and the authorities couldn’t coax her to safety. So they cooked up some sausage, dangled it from a drone, and got Millie to follow it off the flats. Then she ran off again, this time inland, but was eventually found again and reunited with her owner who said, “Millie really likes food and she’ll eat anything you give her … raw carrots, cucumber – but she much prefers sausages. Meat is her favourite food, so dangling a sausage was probably the best thing they could lure her with.”
What the eVTOL industry can learn from helicopters, a counter-unmanned aircraft missile/drone, a birthday drone light show, saving lives with a drone, fused sensor data across manned and unmanned aircraft, and getting the most from the DJI Mavic 3 drone.
UAV News
5 Lessons eVTOL Can Learn from Legacy Helicopter Airlines
We see what the emerging eVTOL industry can learn from the history of helicopter airlines: safety first, encouraging public acceptance, keeping a critical eye on operating costs, maintaining tight routes, and including the first and last mile.
Dog owner spends nearly $16K on drones to celebrate pooch’s birthday
A woman in China hired 520 drones to spell out “Happy 10th birthday to Doudou” for her dog. The drone light show featured a birthday cake and a jack-in-a-box-like present. Authorities said they would have shot down the drones if they had seen them.
This Footage Of Jet-Powered Coyote Drones Obliterating Other Drones Is Incredible
Raytheon Missiles & Defense released a video showing Coyote missiles launched from a truck and taking out different fixed-wing drones. In partnership with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires and Rapid Capabilities Office, the tests used precision targeting radar and mobile sensing radar to detect and defeat drones of varying size and range. Raytheon says the Coyote 2s have a "dogfight-type of capability" and are capable of engaging highly maneuverable targets.
Video: Raytheon Missiles & Defense proves counter-UAS effectiveness against enemy drones
https://youtu.be/RrRScxnDfrk
Drone helps save cardiac arrest patient in Sweden
A 71-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest while shoveling snow in Sweden. Everdrone dispatched an autonomous drone with an Automated External Defibrillator. It arrived within 3 minutes and a doctor on the scene used the defibrillator at the man’s house - all this before the ambulance arrived.
Video: Everdrone’s emergency medical delivery service in action in Sweden
https://youtu.be/5P6pzy395ZQ
Two GA-ASI Avengers Equipped with Lockheed Martin Legion Pods Autonomously Send Fused Air Threat Data to Command Center
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has demonstrated sending fused sensor data to a command center. The long-range air threat data was captured passively by two Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft Systems and fused by an advanced sensor algorithm. The Avengers were each equipped with a Lockheed Martin Legion Pod®. GA-ASI Senior Director of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood said, “Avenger with Legion Pod demonstrates how collaborative autonomous platforms with advanced sensing can deliver persistent, shared air domain awareness.”
Video: Legion Pod Flies on F-16
https://youtu.be/AOzWHNnD4ck
28 MUST KNOW Tips & Settings for DJI Mavic 3
Dan from DansTube.TV recently created a tips and settings video for the DJI Mavic 3, a professional-grade cinematic drone with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and 28x hybrid zoom.
Video: 28 MUST KNOW Tips & Settings for DJI Mavic 3
https://youtu.be/F-5DVAlbbEc
UAV Video of the Week
Drone that can fly and swim unveiled
Developed by telecom company KDDI, the drone floats on water and releases a second, underwater drone from its belly cage. The underwater drone can survey fish and shellfish farms or perform infrastructure inspection of facilities such as dams.
https://youtu.be/F5VAgvEVzXQ
What the eVTOL industry can learn from helicopters, a counter-unmanned aircraft missile/drone, a birthday drone light show, saving lives with a drone, fused sensor data across manned and unmanned aircraft, and getting the most from the DJI Mavic 3 drone.
UAV News 5 Lessons eVTOL Can Learn from Legacy Helicopter Airlines We see what the emerging eVTOL industry can learn from the history of helicopter airlines: safety first, encouraging public acceptance, keeping a critical eye on operating costs, maintaining tight routes, and including the first and last mile.
Dog owner spends nearly $16K on drones to celebrate pooch’s birthday A woman in China hired 520 drones to spell out “Happy 10th birthday to Doudou” for her dog. The drone light show featured a birthday cake and a jack-in-a-box-like present. Authorities said they would have shot down the drones if they had seen them.
This Footage Of Jet-Powered Coyote Drones Obliterating Other Drones Is Incredible Raytheon Missiles & Defense released a video showing Coyote missiles launched from a truck and taking out different fixed-wing drones. In partnership with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires and Rapid Capabilities Office, the tests used precision targeting radar and mobile sensing radar to detect and defeat drones of varying size and range. Raytheon says the Coyote 2s have a “dogfight-type of capability” and are capable of engaging highly maneuverable targets.
Video: Raytheon Missiles & Defense proves counter-UAS effectiveness against enemy drones
https://youtu.be/RrRScxnDfrk
Drone helps save cardiac arrest patient in Sweden A 71-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest while shoveling snow in Sweden. Everdrone dispatched an autonomous drone with an Automated External Defibrillator. It arrived within 3 minutes and a doctor on the scene used the defibrillator at the man’s house – all this before the ambulance arrived.
Video: Everdrone’s emergency medical delivery service in action in Sweden
https://youtu.be/5P6pzy395ZQ
Two GA-ASI Avengers Equipped with Lockheed Martin Legion Pods Autonomously Send Fused Air Threat Data to Command Center General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has demonstrated sending fused sensor data to a command center. The long-range air threat data was captured passively by two Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft Systems and fused by an advanced sensor algorithm. The Avengers were each equipped with a Lockheed Martin Legion Pod®. GA-ASI Senior Director of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood said, “Avenger with Legion Pod demonstrates how collaborative autonomous platforms with advanced sensing can deliver persistent, shared air domain awareness.”
Video: Legion Pod Flies on F-16
https://youtu.be/AOzWHNnD4ck
28 MUST KNOW Tips & Settings for DJI Mavic 3 Dan from DansTube.TV recently created a tips and settings video for the DJI Mavic 3, a professional-grade cinematic drone with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and 28x hybrid zoom.
Video: 28 MUST KNOW Tips & Settings for DJI Mavic 3
https://youtu.be/F-5DVAlbbEc
UAV Video of the Week Drone that can fly and swim unveiled
Developed by telecom company KDDI, the drone floats on water and releases a second, underwater drone from its belly cage. The underwater drone can survey fish and shellfish farms or perform infrastructure inspection of facilities such as dams.
https://youtu.be/F5VAgvEVzXQ
RaceDayQuads v. FAA and the Remote ID rule, drones for law enforcement and telehealth, Russian attack drones and drones that recharge from power lines, a DARPA program for underwater drones, and finding lost hikers.
UAV News D.C. Circuit May Blow Up the Remote Identification Rule for Drones Oral arguments were heard in the RaceDayQuads v. FAA case where the FAA’s remote identification (RID) rule is being challenged.
In brief, the RID rule applies to small drones (0.55-55 lbs) which would broadcast a “digital license plate” over WiFi and/or Bluetooth with a unique identifier, position, altitude, velocity, control station coordinates, and other “message elements.” The broadcast would be openly accessible by anyone.
This RID capability must be either hardwired into the drone (Standard Remote ID) or attached externally in the form of a module (Broadcast Module RID or BMID). Drones without RID can only fly in FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs) under the purview of community-based organizations and educational institutions.
Manufacturers have until September 2022 to comply. Drone operators have until September 2023 to comply.
RaceDayQuads (RDQ) is a large online retailer that supports first-person view (FPV) drone-racing customers. RDQ’s co-founder and CEO, Tyler Brennan said he seeks “to protect the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens to be free from unreasonable searches from the government when they are flying in their own backyards.” RDQ alleges that:
- The rule is a violation of the Fourth Amendment because it allows warrantless tracking in a backyard.
- The FAA arbitrarily and capriciously relied on undisclosed ex parte communications during the rulemaking process.
- The final rule was not a logical outgrowth from the NPRM.
- The FAA failed to comply with a legal mandate to consult with Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- The FAA failed to address significant public comments as required by the Administrative Procedure Act.
For its part, the Government contends:
- Merely requiring RID technology onboard a drone does not equate to an unreasonable search.
- Planes flying in public view do not give rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Even if the rule did violate the Fourth Amendment, the special needs exception would legally justify it.
A ruling is likely to come sometime in early 2022.
Autonomous drones to respond to gunshots in new policing system US company ShotSpotter and Israel-based Airobotics are teaming to provide Israeli law enforcement agencies with a system that detects and locates gunfire, alerts the police, and provides live drone video footage and stills of the scene. ShotSpotter would identify and locate the sound of gunshots with a network of acoustic sensors. Airobotics would deploy its autonomous drones to the ShotSpotter coordinates.
Special Delivery: Drones bring the doctor to you: Medicine’s next big thing? Manish Kumar, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati says, “We are building a telehealth drone that will have the ability to go inside people’s homes.” Engineers are designing and testing a system with sensors that allow the drones to maneuver through a front door and into a patient’s living room. Patients would connect with a doctor for a telehealth appointment. A medical kit on the drone would be used to measure and transmit health information.
Russian Orion Drone Downs Unmanned Copter In a video, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) shows an Orion reconnaissance and attack drone that fired an air-to-air missile and destroyed a hovering unmanned helicopter. The drone is also to be fitted with an electronic warfare suite “to defend itself against missiles…and to suppress any enemy systems in the interests of other units on the battlefield.”
Video: Первое применение беспилотника «Орион» по воздушной цели
https://youtu.be/BBi-mgPa9YU
Russia Developing Drones Chargeable From Power Lines The drone clamps onto a power line and charges its battery. While charging, the camera is operational and the drone adjusts its position. After it’s charged up, the current clamp disconnects, and the drone flies away. This comes from the Tyumen Higher Military Engineering Command School.
These New Underwater Drones Made By DARPA Take Inspiration From Manta Rays DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, awarded Phase 2 contracts to prime contractors Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group. Each is developing full-scale demonstration vehicles for the Manta Ray program.
Video: Manta Ray – Breaking the UUV mold
https://youtu.be/u3s31SUSOrs
Virginia fire department finds lost hikers via drones on Christmas Two hikers were reported missing on Christmas at Sharp Top Mountain near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The Bedford (Virginia) Fire Department was dispatched to find the hikers. They set up a command post, launched a drone that found the hikers, and sent in rescuers to guide them out.
RaceDayQuads v. FAA and the Remote ID rule, drones for law enforcement and telehealth, Russian attack drones and drones that recharge from power lines, a DARPA program for underwater drones, and finding lost hikers.
UAV News
D.C. Circuit May Blow Up the Remote Identification Rule for Drones
Oral arguments were heard in the RaceDayQuads v. FAA case where the FAA’s remote identification (RID) rule is being challenged.
In brief, the RID rule applies to small drones (0.55-55 lbs) which would broadcast a “digital license plate” over WiFi and/or Bluetooth with a unique identifier, position, altitude, velocity, control station coordinates, and other “message elements.” The broadcast would be openly accessible by anyone.
This RID capability must be either hardwired into the drone (Standard Remote ID) or attached externally in the form of a module (Broadcast Module RID or BMID). Drones without RID can only fly in FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs) under the purview of community-based organizations and educational institutions.
Manufacturers have until September 2022 to comply. Drone operators have until September 2023 to comply.
RaceDayQuads (RDQ) is a large online retailer that supports first-person view (FPV) drone-racing customers. RDQ’s co-founder and CEO, Tyler Brennan said he seeks “to protect the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens to be free from unreasonable searches from the government when they are flying in their own backyards.” RDQ alleges that:
The rule is a violation of the Fourth Amendment because it allows warrantless tracking in a backyard.The FAA arbitrarily and capriciously relied on undisclosed ex parte communications during the rulemaking process.The final rule was not a logical outgrowth from the NPRM.The FAA failed to comply with a legal mandate to consult with Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).The FAA failed to address significant public comments as required by the Administrative Procedure Act.
For its part, the Government contends:
Merely requiring RID technology onboard a drone does not equate to an unreasonable search. Planes flying in public view do not give rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy.Even if the rule did violate the Fourth Amendment, the special needs exception would legally justify it.
A ruling is likely to come sometime in early 2022.
Autonomous drones to respond to gunshots in new policing system
US company ShotSpotter and Israel-based Airobotics are teaming to provide Israeli law enforcement agencies with a system that detects and locates gunfire, alerts the police, and provides live drone video footage and stills of the scene. ShotSpotter would identify and locate the sound of gunshots with a network of acoustic sensors. Airobotics would deploy its autonomous drones to the ShotSpotter coordinates.
Special Delivery: Drones bring the doctor to you: Medicine’s next big thing?
Manish Kumar, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati says, "We are building a telehealth drone that will have the ability to go inside people’s homes.” Engineers are designing and testing a system with sensors that allow the drones to maneuver through a front door and into a patient’s living room. Patients would connect with a doctor for a telehealth appointment. A medical kit on the drone would be used to measure and transmit health information.
Russian Orion Drone Downs Unmanned Copter
In a video, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) shows an Orion reconnaissance and attack drone that fired an air-to-air missile and destroyed a hovering unmanned helicopter. The drone is also to be fitted with an electronic warfare suite “to defend itself against missiles…and to suppress any enemy systems in the interests of other units on the battlefield.”
Video: Первое применение беспилотника «Орион» по воздушной цели
https://youtu.
Measuring kinetic energy to certify drone flights over people, additional funding for Dedrone, documenting endangered heritage sites, Italian heavy-lift multirotors, testing the MQ-25 refueling drone on an aircraft carrier, defining the “next” Reaper, an FAA grant for UAS training, and Navy harassment by drone swarms.
Kinetic energy measurement at Virginia Tech
UAV News Test methods for drones help put a crucial rule for safe flights over people into practice To certify drones for flight over people, the FAA links injury severity to kinetic energy. But the classic calculation of kinetic energy using mass and velocity makes some assumptions that aren’t applicable to a drone hitting a human head. So the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) along with the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics developed a testing methodology for the actual kinetic energy from a drone impact.
Dedrone Secures $30.5 Million Series C to Protect Airspace Against Unauthorized Drones Axon Invests in Dedrone: Partnership Between Public Safety and Counter Drone Technologies Airspace security company Dedrone closed a $30.5 million Series C financing round led by Axon and including previous investors. Dedrone sold over 1,000 sensors in the past year that detect, identify, and locate over 200 different types of drones. Customers include more than 65 critical infrastructures, 50 correctional facilities, 20 airports, 10 Fortune 500 companies, and four of the seven G-7 nations.
Using drones to capture coastal heritage before it’s lost The Seaford Head Project wants to assess and record the archeology of Seaford Head before it is lost to coastal erosion. They are developing ways to quickly assess the situation and record the data, including using drones to survey the site and create 3D models. The project intends to create a template that can be replicated for other heritage agencies, landowners, and community groups.
Two Italian heavy-lift drones deliver 52 kg of cargo in Turin Italian company FlyingBasket flew two FB3 drones, each carrying 26 kg (57 lb) of cargo, from a postal center to a destination 3.9 km (2.4 miles) away, then returned to the postal center. For the demonstration, FlyingBasket partnered with Leonardo and the Italian postal service. The FB3 drones were flown mainly over the Stura di Lanzo river. One FB3 carried its load in an internal compartment, while the other in a sling hung on a hook.
MQ-25 winds up deck handling tests on US aircraft carrier The MQ-25 Stingray UAV has been tested by Boeing and the US Navy on an aircraft carrier to assess deck handling characteristics. The MQ-25 is intended for air-to-air refueling missions. The MQ-25 taxied, connected to catapults, cleared the landing area, and practiced parking. The USN has plans for initial operational capability by 2024 and to purchase as many as 76 aircraft.
Promotional video from Boeing: MQ-25 Completes First U.S. Navy Carrier Tests
https://youtu.be/WFrzKILwfFg
“MQ-Next”: The U.S. Air Force’s Plan for an Unmanned Aircraft The Air Force is developing a plan for the MQ-9 Reaper replacement aircraft, called “MQ-Next.” It might not look like the MQ-9 – perhaps smaller, stealthier, and more lethal. The MQ-Next might operate in swarms and will likely be networked with manned-unmanned teaming. It’s not expected to be operational until 2031 so there is plenty of time to define the requirements.
Flying high: FAA funds NMC’s high school drone education program Northwestern Michigan College received a $90,000 grant from the FAA. Forty high school teachers will be trained on the fundamentals of Unmanned Aerial Systems. Each teacher will receive a multi-rotor drone to use with their own students. Congress appropriated $5 million to the FAA to grant projects like this. The grant builds on NMC’s selection in 2020 under the UAS Collegiate Training Program.
Harassment Of Navy Destroyers By Mysterious Drone Swarms Off California Went On For Weeks This occurred in 2019, but new details are emerging after examining documents released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The sightings occurred throughout July 2019. Drone countermeasure teams were activated and in one event, at least three ships observed multiple drones. The destroyer USS Paul Hamilton made abrupt changes in direction, and the drone followed it. Counter UAS exercises were executed
UAV Video of the Week Jaybyrdfilms’ insane drone video inside live baseball workout
Measuring drone kinetic energy, Dedrone funding, endangered heritage sites, heavy-lift multirotors, MQ-25 tests, the next Reaper, FAA grant for UAS training, drone swarms harass Navy.
Guided cargo delivery drone from Silent Arrow, the best cities for flying a drone, bringing power to those without, sailing the Gulf Stream, an airline plans for drone delivery, protecting the Pope from rogue drones, and DJI end of support.
UAV News These gliding drones could deliver supplies from Air Force planes to the battlefield Drone maker Silent Arrow® has won a contract from the Air Force for 15 “Precision Guided Cargo Delivery Drones.” In this Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) Phase II contract, the GD-2000 (Glider, Disposable, 2000 pounds) platform will be scaled down and called the Silent Arrow Precision Guided Bundle (SA-PGB). Initially developed as an autonomous cargo delivery glider, it will be designed for side door and multi-unit (swarm) ramp deployment. The SA-PGB will be compatible with a fleet of delivery aircraft.
The best cities for flying a drone (and one you should definitely avoid) This article provides information about cities with drone-friendly areas and photographic views. Most locations are in unrestricted Class G airspace. The best: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Chicago, IL, Bar Harbor, ME, Houston, TX.
Power drones: Toyota supplier tries novel fix to disaster outages Japanese automotive supplier Aisan has a concept for a disaster relief drone that could deliver power to areas that are cut off from the grid. The gasolene-powered engine would charge a battery that could power lights and recharge phones.
Three ocean drones launched from Newport; will spend six months gathering data from Gulf Stream The uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) have been sent on a mission to sail through the Gulf Stream. The Saildrone vehicles will spend six months collecting data to assist weather forecasting and carbon accounting. This effort is led by the University of Rhode Island (URI) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). It’s funded by a grant from the Google.org Impact Challenge on Climate. The Saildrones are designed to survive harsh weather conditions that crewed ships could not.
SpiceJet plans drone delivery service for medical and essential supplies in remote areas Indian domestic airline SpiceJet plans to introduce a drone delivery service to serve remote areas for medical and other essential supplies. The customized drones will allow for different payload weights and the initial focus is mid-mile deliveries. Last-mile deliveries are planned for later. The airline’s cargo unit SpiceXpress will provide the service in partnership with Throttle Aerospace for the drones and Aeologic for drone software management.
Rogue drone removed from Pope Francis mass in Slovakia A mass led by Pope Francis with 60,000 attendees, 90 bishops, and 500 priests was protected by D-Fend Solutions. The company’s EnforceAir Ground-Level Tactical kit anti-drone technology detected a rogue drone and took control of it. See the Press release.
DJI will stop providing support for these products from March 2022 The end of service (EOS) timeline for some products includes: older drones, controllers, gimbals, transmitters, motors, and other accessories. Drones include Wind 1 and 2, Spreading Wings S900 and S1000+, and Flame Wheel ARF KIT F550 / F450 / F330.
UAV Video of the Week Video: Michigan Christmas Tree Drone Footage
https://youtu.be/dhOz6EKQZLU
Mentioned 2021 events from Taking Autism To The Skys (TATTS), using drones to develop social and employment skills for autistic individuals.
Silent Arrow guided cargo delivery drone, best cities for flying a drone, bringing power to those without, sailing the Gulf Stream, airline plans drone delivery, rogue drone, DJI end of support.
A perching drone saves battery power, drones that connect communities, considerations for photography drones, Covid vaccination deliveries, secret combat drones, breaking up street racing, Airmap acquires DroneUp, and NOTAMs and drones.
UAV News Watch this falcon-esque drone perch and carry objects like a bird Engineers at Stanford University created robotic talons that can be attached to a drone so it can perch and carry objects like a bird. The SNAG (Stereotyped Nature-Inspired Aerial Grasper) has two independently moving legs inspired by the peregrine falcon. The 3D-printed “bones” articulate with motors and fishing lines that act like muscles and tendons.
The legs and claws of the perching drone grasp quickly, in no more than 20 milliseconds. When the SNAG accelerometer detects an impact with the perch, it activates a balancing algorithm and tilts the drone forward, just like a bird does.
Video: Stanford engineers create perching bird-like robot
https://youtu.be/JEKttzocgwU
Drones on Cape Cod: Skyports and MassDOT Partner to Connect Remote Communities The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division has partnered with Skyports to investigate connecting remote Cape Cod communities. The Department wants to provide emergency medical delivery after storms or other natural disasters and everyday services such as healthcare and logistics. Cape Cod is composed of difficult-to-reach islands and peninsulas.
6 Important Things To Consider Before Buying A Drone For Photography 1. Style of the Drone 2. Flying Range and Battery Life 3. Flight Control System and Transmitter 4. Is Raw or DNG Format Support Necessary? 5. Camera Quality and Support 6. Safety Features and Intelligent Functions
India tests drone delivery of COVID-19 vaccine in remote Jammu Vaccine deliveries in remote regions can be problematic. But in India where the travel time can be two hours by road, a multirotor drone can make the same trip in 20 minutes. India’s CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories has developed the octocopter that can carry a 10-kilogram payload over a range of 20 kilometers.
Two New Secret Drone Programs Could Emerge In The Air Force’s Next Budget Proposal Development money for two classified unmanned air combat vehicles is planned for the 2023 fiscal budget. The combat drones would be designed to operate alongside the Next-Generation Air Dominance Program (NGAD) and the B-21 bomber, both classified programs. Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia speculates this could be Skyborg – the loyal wingman program. See also, 2 new secret combat drones are in the works, Air Force secretary says.
Drones used to make street racing bust in South Fulton Street racing has been a problem in South Fulton, Georgia. Now the City of South Fulton Police Department is using drones to watch for street racing, document the activity, and capture images of license plates and the individuals involved. So far 33 people have been charged and four vehicles confiscated.
DroneUp Acquires Airmap: Another Move Towards Drone Ops on a Very, Very Big Scale DroneUp is a drone services provider with a trained pilot network, proprietary software, and a relationship with Walmart that includes a financial investment and a drone delivery operation. AirMap has an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) service which supports as many as 100,000 flights per day. Together, the companies can scale up operations and position for future BVLOS flights.
Name change signifies a bigger mission for NOTAMs The meaning of the acronym NOTAM has changed from “Notice to Airmen” to the gender-neutral “Notice to Air Missions.” The new acronym now easily applies to the un-crewed flights of free balloons and drones.
UAV Video of the Week Video: Beautiful drone footage of tree-lined NY roads and geometric fields | SWNS
https://youtu.be/qbaCYg9kskE
This beautiful aerial footage takes you above a winding country road and geometric fields under the setting autumn sun. From the UK journalism team at SWNS.
A perching drone, connecting communities with drones, photography drones, vaccination deliveries, combat drones, law enforcement, Airmap acquires DroneUp, NOTAMs and drones.
FAA 12 Days of Drones campaign, dangers to aircraft, local drone rule injunctions, Sony video drone, long-endurance electric solar drone, amphibious drone tanker, Navy drone hub.
FAA launches the “12 Days of Drones” campaign, the dangers of drones to aircraft, injunctions against local drone rules, $9,000 drone from Sony, long-endurance electric solar drone, amphibious drone tanker, and a Navy drone hub.
UAV News Looking to buy a drone this holiday? These are the FAA operating rules, regulations The FAA’s “12 Days of Drones” educational campaign is underway to help the public understand how to fly holiday drones safely. The campaign’s safety messages will be posted on the FAA Drone Zone Twitter and Facebook accounts throughout the week. The FAA also released a new video reminding everyone of the rules and regulations that drone pilots must follow.
Aviation expert weighs in on how to decrease drone dangers to aircraft Captain John Cox says geofencing, FAA prioritization and enforcement, and increased requirements for drone licensing could help the situation.
Michigan judge blocks county’s drone ban on public properties A circuit court judge in Michigan issued an injunction that blocks Ottawa County from restricting drone flights in parks and banning them at other public properties. It also prohibits the local authority from restricting recordings at county land or facilities. The judge ruled that local restrictions violated Michigan’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (UASA) which defers to federal laws. The Michigan Coalition of Drone Operators filed the complaint.
Sony’s $9,000 pro drone starts shipping Christmas Eve The Sony AirPeak S1 is a pro-level quadcopter designed for the Sony Alpha series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. Sony developed the propulsion device and flight control system. Flight time is up to 22 minutes without a payload. Retractable landing gear provides an unobstructed camera field of view. Pre-orders are open and the estimated ship date is December 24, 2021. The suggested retail price is $9,000. Gimbal ($2,200), camera, and lens sold separately
Video: Key features | Airpeak S1
https://youtu.be/jnyUPbM9H7Q
E-solar-thermal drone flies marathon test mission The K1000ULE is an electric-, solar-, and thermal-powered UAV that comes from California startup Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, which focuses on “ultra long-endurance unmanned aerial systems.” Onboard sensors scan for thermals and when found the motor shuts off, the blades retract, and the aircraft goes into glider mode.
Video: K1000ULE Promotional Video
https://youtu.be/JUUt-clDtkw
Video: K1000ULE (Revision-C) UAV Full Video
On the horizon, a 1,000-gallon scooping amphibious drone air tanker? Drone America has two versions of a twin-engine amphibious drone: the Ariel Mark2 with a load capacity of 350 pounds, and the larger Ariel ScooperDrone UAS. The ScooperDrone should be able to scoop up to 1,000 gallons of water off a lake then drop it on a wildfire.
“Designed as part of a squadron, the Ariel Scooper Drone would provide autonomous fire attack and water scooping. The Ariel system can also be used to transport oil, diesel, even water and dry supplies to remote locations when not being utilized as a fire air tanker.”
Drone America website
US Navy Announces Jordan-Based Joint Drone Hub The US Navy and the Jordanian navy are creating a Red Sea-based drone operations joint hub. Task Force 59’s new Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel (USV) will be operated from a Royal Jordanian naval base. The Saildrone USV will perform autonomous long-range data collection missions in ocean environments. It features wind-powered propulsion, solar-powered meteorological and oceanographic sensors, and advanced acoustic and camera systems.
UAV Video of the Week Video: Walmart Drones Drop Jerseys in Partnership with Arkansas Razorbacks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZcqXUIAvLY
Walmart delivered a Razorback jersey via drone each time Arkansas scored in its game against Missouri. Drones were operated by DroneUP.
Mentioned Avy presents the world’s first Drone Response Network The Dutch company Avy launched a Drone Response Network that combines docking stations and VTOL autonomous aircraft. The network offers drone coverage in a certain area and enables rapid deployment to support medical deliveries or emergency services during critical incidents. First flights are planned for the first quarter of 2022.
Personal eVTOL, Navy and Marines resupply drones, an Army UAS, drones on construction sites, UAS support for hypersonic missile testing, weaponized drones, a contraband-carrying drone, and drone video evidence in a high-profile criminal case.
UAV News Personal eVTOL Vehicles: AIR CEO Believes in the Flying Cars of the Future AIR is a Tel Aviv-based company that has unveiled its first product offering, the AIR One two-seat personal eVTOL. Designed for recreation and short commutes, the AIR One is powered by a 60 Kw-hour lithium-ion battery and offers a range of up to 110 miles on a single charge at a speed up to 155 miles per hour.
AIR CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut believes that UAM composed of commercial eVTOL vehicles like air taxis has certification and regulatory challenges that will cause the industry to move forward very slowly. Instead, personal eVTOL products based on the automotive model will be more successful short-term. The company has flown unmanned test missions of its prototypes using its Fly by Intent software.
US Navy Trials Logistics Drones for Sea, Land Missions UAS are being tested for front-line warfighter re-supply. Trials were held by the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program office and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). The Marine-focused UAS is the TRUAS (Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System) for on-shore tactical resupply up to 150 pounds. The Navy-focused UAS is the BWUAS (Blue Water logistics UAS) with longer range but lower payload capacity (30-50 pounds).
The Army is testing drones that can deliver life-saving blood to the battlefield Army researchers are working with Near Earth Autonomy and L3Harris Technologies to develop autonomous unmanned aircraft that can deliver blood to the battlefield. A demonstration flight of the L3Harris FVR-90 drone was conducted in Fort Pickett, Virginia. The drone maps the landing zone to identify a safe landing point. See: Near Earth Autonomy, L3Harris Demonstrate Blood Delivery via Drones.
Video: Project Crimson – Long Endurance Precision Delivery 8/21
Drones becoming ever more common on construction sites The article provides general background information on drones and the industry, but contains some inaccuracies, as pointed out in a comment by a reader with MKE Drones, an aerial service provider in Milwaukee offering drone imagery.
Sky Range: Faster, Cheaper, Better The military will use the Sky Range in North Dakota to test hypersonic vehicles. Range Hawk drones are repurposed Global Hawks that the Department of Defense’s Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) modifies with sensors. These then record test data from the hypersonic vehicle.
Weaponized Drones Are Likely Coming To The U.S. Recently, three drones carrying explosives attempted to assassinate Iraq’s prime minister and drones have been used on U.S. forces in Syria. This has been mostly a threat in the Middle East but some say it’s only a matter of time until we see weaponized drones used in the U.S. for terrorism purposes.
Drones, catapults used to smuggle contraband into SC prisons The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) reported that a drone and catapult were recently used in attempts to smuggle contraband into prisons. The smartphones, tobacco, marijuana, and other items were confiscated by corrections officers. The drone operator hasn’t been identified.
Kyle Rittenhouse defense asks for mistrial over drone video evidence This widely-watched trial involves Rittenhouse who shot and killed several people at a demonstration and riot. The prosecution obtained some drone video of the incident and provided a copy to the defense. After the evidence window had closed, it was determined that the prosecution provided a low-resolution version of the video to the defense.
Personal eVTOL, military delivery and resupply drones, drones on construction sites, UAS support for hypersonic testing, weaponized drones, carrying contraband, and drone video evidence in a criminal case.
Where to get Hydrogen for fuel cells, Boeing loyal wingman milestone, new drone rules for Oregon, Gremlins snatched in mid-air, drone attack on the U.S. power grid, and Black Friday drone deals.
Where to get Hydrogen for fuel cells, Boeing loyal wingman milestone, new drone rules for Oregon, Gremlins snatched in mid-air, drone attack on the U.S. power grid, and Black Friday drone deals.
Hunting with drones and the fair chase concept, autonomous agile flight, thermal mapping to reduce building heat loss, Trick or Treat, the delivery drone hold-up, UAS over wildfires, and a LAANC update.
UAV News
Outdoors in Maine: Drones in the woods, and the ethical debate over whether they belong
The law in Maine says hunters cannot use drones to locate game. According to Title 12 Section 11216 Hunting with aid of aircraft, “A person on the ground or airborne may not use an aircraft to aid or assist in hunting bear, deer or moose.” Section 10001(1) defines an aircraft as “a machine or device designed for flight.” In 2014, Colorado became the first state to outlaw the use of drones for scouting, hunting, and taking wildlife. The concept of “fair chase,” a registered trademark of the Boone and Crockett Club, comes into play.
Watch these autonomous drones zip through the woods
Rapid autonomous flight in complex and changing environments is difficult, but researchers at the University of Zurich in conjunction with Intel Labs are tackling this problem. Using simulations, they are training drones to imitate expert human pilots for autonomous agile flight.
Video: Learning High-Speed Flight in the Wild (Science Robotics, 2021)
https://youtu.be/m89bNn6RFoQ
Project webpage: Learning High-Speed Flight in the Wild
Warren, MN, uses drones, thermal sensors to map its heat-leaking homes
The Minnesota town of Warren is using a drone to help residents cut their energy costs. Warren is a Climate Smart Municipalities Partnership member where cities in Minnesota and Germany link up for sustainability and climate initiatives. They used a thermal sensor-equipped drone to produce a municipal map showing structural insulating inefficiencies and losses of heat. Pilots and drones came from Northland Community College.
Drones have fun at Halloween 2021
This is a compilation of drone Halloween videos and photos, including a drone light show in Dallas produced by Sky Elements Drone Shows, flying witch drones, trick or treating robots, and an Australian youngster dressed up as a Wing delivery drone.
Amazon Drone Delivery Was Supposed to Start By 2018. Here's What Happened Instead
In 2013, Amazon announced an experimental drone delivery service. Now it’s 2021, almost 2022. Where are the Amazon delivery drones? Amazon Prime Air is still committed to delivering packages by drones, and they say, “We are pioneering new ground and it will continue to take time to create the right technology and infrastructure to safely deliver packages to customers.” In the U.S., drone delivery is paced by the FAA as it develops the regulatory framework.
Hybrid rotor/fixed wing drone was used extensively over Schneider Springs Fire
In August and September 2021, the Schneider Springs Fire in Washington burned more than 107,000 acres. An L3 Latitude Engineering FVR-90 unmanned aircraft was used to monitor the fire. The eVTOL uses four electrically-powered rotors to take off, and then transitions to horizontal flight driven by a rear-mounted gasoline-powered propeller. It can fly for up to 12 hours and fly at an altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet. Visual video cameras and heat-sensing infrared sensors monitor and map fires, with images transmitted to the ground in real-time.
Video: UAS Type 1 Drone Used on the Schneider Springs Fire
https://youtu.be/zdjZPDxb5OY
Unmanned aircraft on wildfires — what have we learned?
Incident Management Teams used other drones on the Schneider Springs Fire. A Type 3 UAS was used at night for Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) burning operations. This drone could access areas of the fire that were inaccessible to other aircraft and provided better intel and risk management. A number of challenges remain.
LAANC Update: Refined Airspace Grids & Night Drone Authorizations
The latest generation of FAA’s Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) introduces authoriza...
Hunting with drones and the fair chase concept, autonomous agile flight, thermal mapping to reduce building heat loss, Trick or Treat, the delivery drone hold-up, UAS over wildfires, and a LAANC update.
UAV News
Outdoors in Maine: Drones in the woods, and the ethical debate over whether they belong
The law in Maine says hunters cannot use drones to locate game. According to Title 12 Section 11216 Hunting with aid of aircraft, “A person on the ground or airborne may not use an aircraft to aid or assist in hunting bear, deer or moose.” Section 10001(1) defines an aircraft as “a machine or device designed for flight.” In 2014, Colorado became the first state to outlaw the use of drones for scouting, hunting, and taking wildlife. The concept of “fair chase,” a registered trademark of the Boone and Crockett Club, comes into play.
Watch these autonomous drones zip through the woods
Rapid autonomous flight in complex and changing environments is difficult, but researchers at the University of Zurich in conjunction with Intel Labs are tackling this problem. Using simulations, they are training drones to imitate expert human pilots for autonomous agile flight.
Video: Learning High-Speed Flight in the Wild (Science Robotics, 2021)
https://youtu.be/m89bNn6RFoQ
Project webpage: Learning High-Speed Flight in the Wild
Warren, MN, uses drones, thermal sensors to map its heat-leaking homes
The Minnesota town of Warren is using a drone to help residents cut their energy costs. Warren is a Climate Smart Municipalities Partnership member where cities in Minnesota and Germany link up for sustainability and climate initiatives. They used a thermal sensor-equipped drone to produce a municipal map showing structural insulating inefficiencies and losses of heat. Pilots and drones came from Northland Community College.
Drones have fun at Halloween 2021
This is a compilation of drone Halloween videos and photos, including a drone light show in Dallas produced by Sky Elements Drone Shows, flying witch drones, trick or treating robots, and an Australian youngster dressed up as a Wing delivery drone.
Amazon Drone Delivery Was Supposed to Start By 2018. Here's What Happened Instead
In 2013, Amazon announced an experimental drone delivery service. Now it’s 2021, almost 2022. Where are the Amazon delivery drones? Amazon Prime Air is still committed to delivering packages by drones, and they say, “We are pioneering new ground and it will continue to take time to create the right technology and infrastructure to safely deliver packages to customers.” In the U.S., drone delivery is paced by the FAA as it develops the regulatory framework.
Hybrid rotor/fixed wing drone was used extensively over Schneider Springs Fire
In August and September 2021, the Schneider Springs Fire in Washington burned more than 107,000 acres. An L3 Latitude Engineering FVR-90 unmanned aircraft was used to monitor the fire. The eVTOL uses four electrically-powered rotors to take off, and then transitions to horizontal flight driven by a rear-mounted gasoline-powered propeller. It can fly for up to 12 hours and fly at an altitude of 10,000 to 12,000 feet. Visual video cameras and heat-sensing infrared sensors monitor and map fires, with images transmitted to the ground in real-time.
Video: UAS Type 1 Drone Used on the Schneider Springs Fire
https://youtu.be/zdjZPDxb5OY
Unmanned aircraft on wildfires — what have we learned?
Airport UAS threats, snooping by drone, AUVSI XCELLENCE awards, construction industry issues, healthcare projects, more cargo drones, Boeing Loyal Wingman production site.
Airport UAS threats, snooping by drone, AUVSI XCELLENCE awards, construction industry issues, healthcare projects, more cargo drones, Boeing Loyal Wingman production site.
Heavy-lift UAS, NOAA data collection, motorsports coverage, delivery drones and bad weather, DRL sponsorship, VTOL collaboration, smuggling contraband, Volocopter, batteries, Drone Safety Awareness Week.
Heavy-lift UAS, NOAA data collection, motorsports coverage, delivery drones and bad weather, DRL sponsorship, VTOL collaboration, smuggling contraband, Volocopter, batteries, Drone Safety Awareness Week.
Commaris VTOL UAV for commercial operations, hazmat responders, QF-16 target drones, endangered porpoises, US Navy repels drones, AT&T COWs, India drone rules.
Commaris VTOL UAV for commercial operations, hazmat responders, QF-16 target drones, endangered porpoises, US Navy repels drones, AT&T COWs, India drone rules.
Tactical beyond visual line of sight waivers, 100,000 Wing deliveries in Australia, Starlink for military maritime drones, Mavic 3 leaked, measuring the wind, a drone services partnership, history of drones in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Wendy A. Okolo explains NASA’s System-Wide Safety project that is focused on safe operations of unmanned vehicles in the National Airspace System.
T-Mobile low latency 5G drone, high speed UAVs that crash less often, solar-powered UAV, first responder drone of choice, patrolling the beach with drones, marketing real estate with drone videos.
Interactive UAS incident map, airspace coordinator and archaeologists, drone swarm sniffs out gas leaks, X-56B UAV destroyed, making drones quiet, AI drones that find meteorites.
Google OpenSky app, collecting water samples, cellular command and control, Zipline investment, Skyborg’s second autonomous flight, integrating drones with warehouses, an interview with Robotic Skies.
Open source drones, drones that reduce noise, ground-vehicle drone launches, COPA drone membership program, law enforcement drones, tern tracking, bio-inspired UAV, some DJI drones government approved, air-to-air refueling.
MissionGO describes the unique challenges of human organ delivery with UAS and the benefits to the medical community.
Drone soccer in North America, heavy lift unmanned rotorcraft, attritable, an invisible UAV, military drone ground station, the sound of flight on Mars, avigation easements, drone aircraft carrier, Chicago’s secret drone program.
NASA/FAA ASRS safety reporting system extended to UAS operators, autonomy Level 4 drone, learning from dragonflies, triple-drop drone, ADS-B solution for UAVs, groceries delivered in Ohio, virtual UAS Symposium.
Interview with drone light show producer Great Lakes Drone Company. Also, augmented reality controlled UAVs, drones locate trash, Wing to expand drone deliveries, QR codes in the sky, a drone that launches a drone.
A LiDAR specialist explains how UAV sensor data can be used to create engineering-grade topographic and topo-bathymetric products, as well as RGB, thermal, multispectral, and hyperspectral images.
Detect and avoid capability for unpiloted aircraft is discussed with the CEO of Iris Automation.
Rescue drone with 2-way voice, bees and drones find landmines, telehealth drones, delivery quadcopters for large packages, lifejackets for water rescues.
AI-based mesh network drone delivery, Navy swarmed by drones, Amazon double-coupon deal, attritable Bell UAV, first amendment drone case, target drone on the beach, drones replace fireworks.
A Remote ID lawsuit against the FAA rules, EASA drone incident manual for European airports, MIT insect-inspired drones, Erickson’s optionally-piloted Air Crane, another spectacular video of the week.
American Security Drone Act of 2021 incorporates drone detection and mitigation systems, RFI released for MQ-9 Reaper replacement, one drone is on Mars and another planned for Titan, Choctaw Nation partners with FAA, US drone registrations plummet.
Remote Identification for different stakeholders, Speed Racer revealed, drones for beginners, wet drones in Scotland, dolphins in New Zealand, Skyborg is coming, rogue drone detection and mitigation.
The recreational drone test, Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, the dot-com crash and the eVTOL market, a Skunk Works “Speed Racer,” Naval resupply with autonomous UAS, a new animated drone show record.
DJI’s new FPV drone, Super Bowl drone incursions, Major League Baseball drone incursions, drones at the Daytona 500, and UAS given to law enforcement.
United Airlines plans to provide eVTOL service, hydrogen transportation for fuel cell UAVs, flying an uncrewed aircraft through a hurricane, drones meet law enforcement and privacy, drones for STEM.
Urban airports for drones as a service, FAA UTM transparency, a new transportation secretary, drones that self-monitor airworthiness, domestic actions against Chinese drones, and the Superbowl no-fly zone.
Mars Helicopter Ingenuity travels to the Red Planet, UK Defence innovation criticized, Black Swift and GPS-denied navigation, online drone education, unmanned loyal wingman for the UK, Coke and Coffee drone promotion, and researching the impact of drones on ducks.
Smart drone mailbox, FAA waiver for automated drones, Quantum networks with unmanned aircraft, precision infrastructure inspection, using a drone to contact rescuers, keeping a 3-rotor quadcopter from crashing, air taxi trials coming to Paris.
Boeing settles the Insitu lawsuit, Intel neuromorphic chips in drones, betting on drone races, connected drone delivery from Verizon, UPS, and Skyward, new drones from Cadillac, Sony, and Autel Robotics.
Walmart drone delivery hub coming to Arkansas, bio-composite drone parts, cloud seeding, Alphabet’s Wing and remote ID, funding the Uber of drones, 19-year-old with a drone leads rescuers to lost fishermen.
The FAA has issued final rules for small unmanned aircraft remote ID and flight over people, key steps in integrating UAS into the National Airspace System.
Royal Mail delivery by drone, the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport, drones and vaccine distribution, Navy MQ-25 Stingray warrant officers, Catching Gremlin UAVs with a C-130, and test and evaluation programs you might join.
Home design for drone deliveries, a Smellidrone, Virginia partners with UAS company, launching smallsats, deliveries to golfers, perching mechanism for a micro drone, loyal wingman prototypes, long-range test flight in South Korea.
Drone highways and corridors, flying over the ocean on hydrogen, a hybrid drone sets a new flight record, a world civil UAS market forecast looks bright, and a DroneMasters online meetup.
DOT announces the BEYOND drone program to follow the UAS Integration Pilot Program. A drone with morphing wings and tail, Europe’s first TRACE drone takes flight, placing sensors with darts fired from a drone, Sony hints at a coming drone brand.
A police department funds drones for response to 911 calls, paramedics in manned drones, public perception of drones, the U.S. government warns of drone attacks, a puffing drone, a heterogeneous drone swarm, and landing a UAV on a submarine.
Cyclogyro propulsion for UAM, holographic particle detection, Singapore UAV licensing, Pipistrel autonomous heavy lift UAV, EU to patrol the Med, offshore wind farm maintenance with autonomous drones, drone seeding to save the Koala.
Loon and HAPSMobile test LTE from solar-powered drone, India MALE, Chinese weaponized drone swarm, small sensors dropped from small drones, FAA submits two proposed final drone rules, a Colorado drone club builds a drone park, a virtual drone summit.
Weaponized drones, Walmart tries to catch up with Amazon, drone swarms and UFOs, disinfecting a stadium with a drone, converting old biplanes to unmanned aircraft, and a video of whales swimming with surfers.
Amazon security drone monitors the inside of your home, Bell cargo drone flies through metropolitan airspace, new underwater drone manufacturing facility, humanitarian awards, Covid tests delivered by drone, ATSB report on a pseudo-satellite break-up.