sUAS News

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) has successfully ground tested its Airborne Laser Communication System (ALCoS) by establishing a link with a satellite in Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). GA-ASI conducted the test with Tesat-Spacecom (TESAT), the leader of space-based laser communication (lasercom), using their GEO Laser Communication Terminal (LCT), the LCT 135. This was the […]

On January 30th, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) showcased an impressive suite of long range sensors on its Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) during flight operations at Yuma Proving Grounds. The second in a series of demonstrations, GA-ASI partnered with industry to integrate best-of-breed long-range ISR payloads and Air Launch […]

Bye Aerospace, developer of the eFlyer family of FAA Part 23-certified all-electric aircraft, announced that Mark Armstrong has joined the company as a Strategic Advisor. Armstrong is a software engineer and entrepreneur, as well as a singer/songwriter and public speaker. He spent 25 years working in technology, writing software and delivering products and services for […]

Fort Felker Makani’s time as an “Other Bet” comes to an end Makani was founded in 2006 by a group of kitesurfers who were curious about the potential for kites to unlock wind energy in more places around the globe. We started by asking questions: could we make wind energy cheaper and more accessible? Could […]

Matternet, a pioneer in drone delivery for medical applications, announced the company’s partnership with Robotic Skies, a global maintenance network for commercial Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to provide field service and repair support for operators who fly the Matternet M2 drone logistics system. Matternet is revolutionizing logistics around the world by establishing a new mode […]

NSO Group, a leading technology developer that licenses software solutions to governments and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent terror acts, fight crime and increase public safety, announced today the acquisition of Convexum, a Tel Aviv-based start-up. Convexum develops technology that counters the rogue operation of airborne drones. “As drone defense is becoming increasingly […]

German Urban Air Mobility pioneer Volocopter and Southeast Asia’s largest everyday super app Grab announced that they will conduct a joint feasibility study on urban air mobility as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the prospect of urban air mobility solutions in the region’s megacities. The feasibility study will look into the […]

tailBeaconX is Aireon Compatible for Space-Based ADS-B Surveillance uAvionix today introduced a new ADS-B transponder to its General Aviation (GA) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) lineup. tailBeaconX, the new Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) ADS-B OUT transponder is intended to address global air traffic surveillance system requirements for current and future ADS-B mandates. Integration with the […]

Altitude Angel, the world’s leading UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) technology provider and the principle ‘umbrella’ UTM platform for the African Drone Forum and Lake Kivu Challenge 2020, has been praised by event organisers for its ‘outstanding contribution to furthering commercial drone use in Africa and beyond.’ Having taken place through early February 2020 on the shores of Lake Kivu, […]

Drone Alliance Europe (DAE) is pleased to release its U-space Whitepaper 2.0 to inform the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Commission as they continue to develop a regulatory framework for a U-space system. In July 2019, DAE released the first version of its U-space Whitepaper to assist EASA in the development of its U-space Opinion. […]

Kleos Space S.A. (ASX:KSS, Frankfurt:KS1),a space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company, has entered into a €3.41 million (approximately A$5.5 million) secured loan agreement (Loan Agreement) with Dubai-based family office Winance to progress its commercialisation plans and to redeem existing convertible notes. CEO of Kleos Space, Andy Bowyer said, “This funding provides Kleos with working capital to progress the […]

Parrot, Europe’s leading drone Group, has been chosen to equip the Swiss Armed Forces with micro-drones as part of the “Swiss Mini UAV Program” (Swiss MUAS) call for tender against major civilian UAV players. Parrot’s expertise in professional drones, the performance of its solutions dedicated to Defence and Security, and the high level of cyber […]

Collins Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), announced today that it will open its doors to more than 2,300 female students across the globe in an effort to inspire the next generation of female engineers. With the help of over 1,000 employee volunteers, the company will be hosting 55 ‘Introduce a Girl […]

General Exemption E 5006 United Kingdom Civil Aviation AuthorityNo: 1345 Publication date: 17 February 2020 Small Unmanned Aircraft – SUA Operator Registration Requirements for Members of UK Model and Small Unmanned Aircraft Associations 1) The Civil Aviation Authority (‘the CAA’), in exercise of its powers under article 266 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 (‘the […]

SoftServe, a leading digital authority and consulting company, will participate in the Mohamed Bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge (MBZIRC), a biennial international robotics competition, in collaboration with Czech Technical University to bring expertise and innovation in advancing drone algorithms to address new challenges. The competition is organized by Khalifa University and will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre […]

Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft (PHASA-35®) has the potential to stay airborne for a year. PHASA-35, a 35m wingspan solar-electric aircraft, has successfully completed its maiden flight. The landmark flight paves the way to this new aircraft becoming a game changer in the air and space market, plugging the gap between aircraft and satellite technology. […]

Wingcopter, the German manufacturer of innovative transport drones for social and civil applications, has been awarded the Sustainable Development Goals Spotlight prize at this year’s Open Innovation Contest of the global business and IT solutions provider NTT DATA. The category was open to companies that use innovative technology to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable […]

Talk of drones might have circled around military uses lately, but drones are actually being used to do good around the world. With its #DronesforGood campaign, DJI wishes to make people aware of the many ways in which drones can make our lives better and help keep us safe. Emergency responders are using drones to save lives, […]

On January 14, 2020, for the first U.S. Democratic debate of the year held on Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa, CNN deployed an Elistair tethered system with the support of Vector Solutions, product reseller and tether expert, to provide persistent aerial video transmission of the area. Every four years, the Presidential Candidate debates attracts tens […]

Parrot, the leading European drone group, announced it is partnering with RIIS, a leading provider of mobile app, web development and IT consulting services, to develop custom applications of artificial intelligence for Parrot’s popular ANAFI drone platform. Parrot and RIIS are focused on exploring the use of artificial intelligence and computer vision technology, combined with […]

Autonodyne LLC is pleased to announce the award by the State of Arizona of an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to provide comprehensive Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) custom hardware and software solutions to all of the State agencies and various political subdivisions of both the State of Arizona as well as the State of […]

When will we be able to hail an autonomous robo-taxi…grow great-tasting steak from stem cells in a lab…connect the human brain to the cloud so you can Google just by thinking? Significant numbers of Americans are less than optimistic that these capabilities will be possible anytime soon or even in their lifetimes, even though some […]

Septentrio’s new web shop offers direct access to mosaicTM multi-frequency GNSS receiver module. Customers can purchase the mosaicTM development kit quickly and easily to evaluate this unique module. Leuven, Belgium February 13, 2020 – Septentrio, a global leader in high-precision positioning solutions, opens today an online store shop.septentrio.com, selling high-performance GPS/GNSS module receivers. This web shop is accessible via the Septentrio website, offering customers multi-constellation multi-frequency GNSS technology, which provides reliable centimeter level positions suitable for demanding applications. The first product available for sale online is mosaicTM, Septentrio’s most compact GNSS receiver module. This light-weight, low-power receiver brings robust high-accuracy positioning to the mass market. With its security-centered anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology, mosaicTM provides positioning to numerous demanding applications such as automotive ADAS, logistics automation, and robotics. “We see a growing demand for reliable high-accuracy […]

UAV Navigation announced today that its flight control solutions for Remotely Piloted Air Systems/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RPAS/UAVs) are compatible with the Trimble® UAS1, a high-precision Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The core benefits of Trimble’s GNSS solution include centimeter-level precision and easy integration. With over 15 years of expertise in providing autopilot solutions, UAV Navigation understands the […]

In August 2017, Eric Peck and Josh Tepper embarked on a new business venture; their goal was to transform the way the world moves medical supplies, using drones. This goal was premised on the saddening fact that 50% of the world’s population lacks access to basic healthcare. Swoop Aero was founded on the principle that […]

This meeting is open to the public The FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) is a broad-based, long-term Federal advisory committee that provides the FAA with advice on key UAS integration issues by helping to identify challenges and prioritize improvements. The committee helps to create broad support for an overall integration strategy and vision. Membership is […]

Matternet, a pioneer in drone delivery for medical applications, announced a strategic investment from McKesson Ventures. The round of funding will provide Matternet with access to a broad set of opportunities in the U.S. healthcare logistics market and accelerate existing partnerships in key international markets. McKesson Ventures joins Matternet’s roster of strategic investors Boeing, Sony […]

Albuquerque, New Mexico (February 12, 2020): Silent Falcon UAS Technologies (SFUAS) is excited to announce new options for it solar-powered, electric driven Silent Falcon E1 sUAS aircraft. The new customer selectable options allow the drone to:  Extend flight time 10+ hours  Select launch and recovery options o Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) […]

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced a signed memorandum of understanding today with Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., to explore Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and to foster the required infrastructure and regulatory environment. This collaboration will inform the development of an on-demand air mobility ecosystem utilizing Bell’s air mobility solutions including […]

10 African startups were selected as finalists for the first African Drone Business Challenge The finalists represented 9 African countries – Nigeria, Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe The award is sponsored by UK Aid/DfiD, and the World Bank Global Air Drone Academy emerged as the Grand Prize winner of […]

SkyGrid, a Boeing, SparkCognition company, announced today it’s integrating multiple data layers, including hyper-local weather data, into its aerial operating system to enable safer drone operations. SkyGrid is committed to providing the most comprehensive airspace intelligence to help commercial drone operators minimize risks and navigate the sky with confidence. “We welcome ClimaCell as a SkyGrid […]

The Indian Institute of Drones (IID), International Foundation for Aviation, Aerospace & Drones (IFFAAD) and India International Center (IIC) had organized a National Conference by the name of RPAS 2020 – Impact of Drone Regulations on Indigenous Drone Industry, on 30th January 2020 at India International Center, New Delhi. Welcome address for this conference was […]

Washington, D.C. – February – Measure, a leading aerial intelligence company, released an expanded version of its drone software platform, Measure Ground Control TM. The new solution combines a user-friendly flight application and complete program management capabilities with integrated data processing and mapping tools powered by the leader in photogrammetry, Pix4D. This is the third […]

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed far-reaching new Remote Identification rules that will affect how drones are designed, produced and used. This proposal would require almost all drones in America to connect to a computer network service in order to fly legally, which the FAA anticipates will require recurring monthly fees for drone […]

The RID NPRM is a lot more than just rules for a regular citizen flying drones; it is the end of an era for recreational freedom and it curtails American aviation innovation. Furthermore, no one should be surprised by anything in the NPRM as it was all foretold in the ID and Tracking ARC report. […]

Integration with Auterion’s Open Source Operating System aligns with DoD’s Group 1 UAS Architecture Los Angeles, California, and Munich, Germany – 10 February 2020 – Today, Auterion Government Solutions Inc (AGS Inc) and Quantum-Systems GmbH announced that they have partnered to bring the Vector and Scorpion small Unmanned Aerial Systems #sUAS to the U.S. Government Defense and Security markets. The partnership brings […]

Flirtey, the industry-leading drone delivery service, announced today it has been granted a key patent that will enhance its fundamental technology with an additional component to safety in drone flights and deliveries. This granted patent will enhance safety when drone manufacturers implement technologies such as parachutes, while a drone is in flight and when it […]

SkyWatch.AI and Starr offer on-demand hourly, monthly and annual drone insurance solutions based on a proprietary safety platform Palo Alto, California, February 11, 2020 Today, SkyWatch.AI, the world’s first on-demand, telematics-based insurance platform for commercial drone pilots, launched its drone insurance product in Ontario, Canada. SkyWatch.AI’s dedicated drone insurance allows professional drone pilots to easily […]

The beginning of 2020 is special to most Chinese – with a sudden coronavirus outbreak firstly occurred in Wuhan, China, all cities joined to fight with efforts. Shenzhen MicroMultiCopter (MMC) quickly launched the UAV prevention solutions and invested a service team of over 200 people rushing to the front line with over 100 drones deployed in […]

Regarding the NPRM comments/questions section, I have stated publicly in articles, on forums, on social media platforms, and in several interviews; the FAA is under no obligation to change one word of the NPRM due to public comments. This regulatory situation is like trying to negotiate peace from the losing side of the Carthaginian War. […]

Sonex Aerospace is very excited to announce that the NASC TEROS UAV has successfully conducted advanced flight testing. The NASC TEROS Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology demonstrator was flown by the NASC UAS Special Projects Flight Operations Team at their flight operations and training center located at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY. Sonex Aerospace, LLC is excited […]

Leading UAS/UAV and spatial management technology company RelmaTech has today confirmed that truly-global identification and tracking of all flying and moving objects is technically and commercially viable. This represents a significant leap toward achieving continuous geographic coverage and global access to multi-device tracking services. RelmaTech’s Secure Integrated Airspace Management (SIAM) solution is the well-regarded market […]

Zhejiang – February 7, 2020 – 9:00 a.m. on February 6, an medical delivery drone flying from the people’s Hospital of Xinchang County to the disease control center of Xinchang County successfully completed the whole process of air transportation, marking the launch of the first “urban air transportation channel” to help to fight the corona virus (2019-nCoV) which […]

The African Drone Forum (ADF) 2020 was officially opened by His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda on February 5, 2020. The ADF was organized in collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, World Bank Group and partners including UK AID and the World Economic Forum. The event explored what a future unbound […]

This one is interesting, FLARM and PilotAware are mentioned, 868, is also a frequency for some long-range C2 systems. The UK military is keeping up. So be aware if you are long-range flying on the Scottish borders at the end of the month. Jamming activity will take place 10 – 21 February 2020, 0800 and […]

The new heavy fuel engine SP-210 HF FI TS was developed based on the existing gasoline engine SP-210 FI TS. Sky Power’s first HF engine is marking the beginning of the subsequent development of HF engines which are based on completely new HF technology. The new HF engine from Sky Power runs on a kerosene-oil […]

ideaForge, India’s largest manufacturer of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Larsen and Toubro (L&T), India’s multinational engineering conglomerate and the largest private-sector defence company have entered an MoU to offer drones and allied systems for defence use. Both the companies will combine their strengths to offer hi-tech, integrated drone solutions to enhance security and surveillance. […]

Iris Automation today announced that customer United Drone Holdings (UDH) has been granted the first BVLOS flight approval by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to conduct long-range commercial flights with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The SACAA’s approval for the flight was granted based on the utilization of the Iris Automation Casia onboard […]

More disappointment befell your humble author as he listened to the panellists talk about their supply chain woes. I always wear black shoes because increasingly over the last few years, these meetings have become more like funerals for the hobbyist and small business end-user, and this meeting was no exception. The tagline was: “This will […]

DroneUp, LLC and the State of Arizona have signed a Participating Addendum for the NASPO ValuePoint contract for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle services established as Contract Number CTR048252. This begins the offering for the purchase of complete drone solutions to all state agencies, commissions, political subdivisions, institutions, and local public bodies allowed by law. The award […]