Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Drone Ballistic Recovery System Nears
The system covers UAVs ranging from several pounds to several thousand pounds.
Aircraft
Piaggio Aerospace Outlines New Five-year Plan
Italian manufacturer plans to focus on the P.1HH and P.180 programs.
Aircraft
Boeing Steps Ahead Towards MQ-25 Contract
The company has already completed a prototype to meet the U.S. Navy’s requirement for an unmanned aerial tanker.
ATC
FAA Committee Calls for Mandatory Drone ID and Tracking
Calls for remote ID and tracking of drones with data sent to an internet database via both direct broadcast and network publishing.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Pipistrel LSA Converted into Unmanned Drone
The project is a part of the overall plan to create a multifunctional aerial robotic complex able to carry out group missions with an integrated payload.
Regulations and Government
China Conducts Drone-aircraft Collision Tests
Results showed that impacts at various angles to the windshield resulted in fracture of the outer laminate layer, but no penetration into the cockpit.
Rotorcraft
Aurora Proves An Autonomous Huey Can Work; U.S. Marines Testing Next
The Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) employs a UH-1H testbed fitted with special sensors and software
Rotorcraft
Drone Pilot Faulted in Helicopter Collision
The helicopter was in compliance with FAA regs and Army guidelines.
Safety
Drone Sightings on the Rise in U.S.
There have been 1,696 reports in the first nine months of this year versus 1,761 in all of 2016.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Drone Maker Reveals Tracking Feature
New function maintains user privacy while allowing government tracking, says system developer.
Regulations and Government
DHS Flags Chinese Drones as Security Risk
Data gleaned from DJI systems could be used by the Chinese government to conduct physical or cyber attacks against the U.S., the DHS said.
Regulations and Government
FAA Small Drone Registry To Be Reinstated
Bill provision reinstates registration requirement for unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds that was struck down by a court in July.
ATC
FAA Rolls Out Automated Authorizations for Drone Flights
Methods would allow Part 107 commercial drone operators to request instant, automated authorization to fly in controlled airspace near select U.S airports.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
VStar Pioneers Small Sigint Sensors For UAVs
California-based VStar Systems eyeing the Middle East for its modular, low-weight, low-cost sensors that have potential to expand mission set
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Cloud Shadow Appears in Dubai
As part of a drive to increase export UAV sales, China's AVIC is showing the jet-powered Cloud Shadow for the first time outside China.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Czech Company Offers Low-Cost Turbines at Dubai
PBS Velka Bites manufactures a range of small turborops, turbojets and APUs.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Roketsan Expands Weapons Portfolio
Roketsan has developed its smallest smart micro munition yet, based on the Cirit rocket and tailored for UAVs
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Volocopter Certification Expected To Take Five Years
Dubai Crown Prince took part in demo flight September.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Boeing Completes Acquisition of Aurora Flight Sciences
Acquisition broadens Boeing's reach into the realm of autonomy, unmanned and electric research.
Regulations and Government
FAA Seeking Applicants for UAS Integration Program
Program will test and evaluate state and local government proposals regarding the integration of civil and public UAS operations at low altitudes.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Start-up Company Pioneers Small SIGINT Sensors For UAVs
California-based VStar Systems is building modular, low-weight, low-cost sensors with potential to expand the mission sets of UAVs.
Regulations and Government
CNN Drone Waiver Paves Path for Wider Use over People
Waiver allow CNN to operate a Vantage Robotics Snap sUAS over open-air assemblies up to altitudes of 150 feet agl.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
White House Announces Drone Regulation Pilot Program
The Department of Transportation and the FAA will select at least five industry-government partnerships in the next six months.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
New York Alliance Names FAA's Top Drone Advisor as CEO
Former U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Marke 'Hoot' Gibson will lead the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Navy Releases Request for Proposals for MQ-25 Refueling Drone
The service expects to award an engineering and manufacturing development contract next fall, the Naval Air Systems Command said.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Transport Canada Reports First Collision of Drone, Airplane
An unidentified drone struck a Skyjet King Air 100 with eight passengers inbound to a Québec City airport, causing minor damage.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
New Chinese Company Shows Family of UAVs
One of four drones exhibited recently by Tengoen Technology is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Darpa Seeks Counter-Drone 'Sensing, Neutralization' Systems
Novel technologies would complement or be part of an advanced Mobile Force Protection counter-UAS system, Darpa says.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Commercial UAS Industry Gathers at Drone World Expo
The annual Drone World Expo show attracted thousands of attendees, sharing information about integration of drones in the national airspace system.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
FAA Restricts Drone Flights Over Landmarks as Concern Mounts
Federal agencies expect to face the prospect of terrorists using drones in the U.S. 'imminently,' FBI Director Christopher Wray told Congress.
