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.
Accidents
Bell APT Autonomous Cargo Drone Crashes in Texas
A Bell APT 70 UAV cargo drone being developed for civil and military missions crashed during flight testing last week in Texas.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Phenix Taps Rolls-Royce, SEI for Ultra 2XL Drones
Phenix Solutions' Ultra 2XL heavy-lift cargo drone will have a Rolls-Royce RR300 engine and firefighting capabilities.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Air Force Is First U.S. Customer for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian
General Atomics' MQ-9B drones will help the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command develop a beyond-the-horizon power projection capability.
Aircraft
Kaman, PHI Partner on Kargo UAV Commercial Operations
The turbine-powered Kargo UAV can carry more than 80 pounds up to 500 miles.
Maintenance and Modifications
Phenix Will Equip Ultra 2XL Drone with Multi-use Cargo Hook
Onboard Systems is helping Phenix Solutions design and certify the equipment for the Ultra 2XL unmanned aircraft system.
Rotorcraft
Airbus and International SOS Seek Emergency Medical Progress
The companies' joint LifeSaver program is exploring how response times could be improved for better healthcare outcomes in countries such as Estonia.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
STOL Predator/Sky Guardian Variant Attracts Emirati Interest
The UAE had tried to order Predators earlier, but that deal ended over security concerns that scuppered the country's F-35 purchase.
Aircraft
UAE Backs Plans for Speeder Family of Air Utility VTOLs
In addition to the first P2 model, Mayman Aerospace is working on new Speeder models including the Micro, Cargo and Endurance Class aircraft.
Regulations and Government
Rulemaking Begins for UAS Wireless Communications
The FCC is seeking comments on a rule that would enable wireless communications spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Universal Adds Sites to Customs Reimbursement Program
Over the past year, Universal Weather and Aviation has added 42 U.S. locations to its Customs Reimbursable Services Program.
Regulations and Government
FCC Proposes Radio Licenses for UAS Operators
FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on mandatory radio licenses and potential spectrum interference for UAS operations.
Engines
Hermeus Selects P&W F100 for Hypersonic Darkhorse
Hermeus plans engine testing in 2024 for its Mach 5 Darkhorse uncrewed aerial system.
Aircraft
German Team Performs Remote Carrier Air Launch Test
The launch was the first inflight test of remote carrier technology destined for the Future Combat Air System.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Bell Brings Autonomous Cargo UAV To Air Medical Show
Bell pursues the medical market for its Autonomous Pod Transport cargo drone.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Poland To Lease Reapers Ahead of Planned MQ-9B Buy
MQ-9A Reapers are being leased from General Atomics to fill a capability gap ahead of Poland’s planned acquisition of RPAs under the Zefir project.
Aircraft
Textron Powers Up Advanced Air Mobility Portfolio
Textron Aviation is building a strong portfolio of new electric and autonomous aircraft, including the redesigned Nexus eVTOL model.
Aircraft
What It’s Like to Fly on Xwing’s Experimental Self-flying Cessna Airplane
What It’s Like to Fly on Xwing’s Experimental Self-flying Cessna Airplane
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Kittyhawk Plans To Wind Down Business
eVTOL startup Kittyhawk has announced that it has “made the decision to wind down” and that it is “still working on what’s next.”
ATC
UAS Manufacturers Get Reprieve for Remote ID
The FAA has delayed requirements for unmanned aircraft systems to have remote ID systems to Dec 16, 2022.
Avionics
FAA Provides MOC for UAS Remote ID Mandate
The FAA has published a means of compliance for UAS manufacturers to meet the requirements for providing remote identification capability.
Accidents
NTSB Redefines UAS Criteria for Accident Investigation
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a final rule amending its Part 830 definition of “unmanned aircraft accident.”
Aircraft
Inmarsat Demonstrates Sector-spanning Satcom Links
Satellite network operator Inmarsat brings to Farnborough the latest future-proofed connectivity products for diverse aerospace sectors.
Aircraft
Raytheon Subsidiaries Update Market on Pending Innovation
Raytheon is preparing for what forecasters say will be an exponential increase in travel in the next five to 10 years.
Engines
PBS Unveils Turbine Engine for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Engineering company updates original engine; new engine breaks record for thrust-to-weight ratio
Aircraft
Airbus Launches Connectivity Unit With Solar-powered Zephyr
Airbus says it can affordably expand telecommunications services with its Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station that can fly at 70,000 feet.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Marine Corps Begins Major MQ-9A UAS Procurement
The remotely piloted aircraft will be used to stand up an MQ-9A(ER) squadron in Hawaii to support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Aircraft
Super Hornet Demonstrates Multi-Vehicle Manned-unmanned Teaming Operations
Controlling unmanned adjuncts from manned fighters accounts for one of the main areas of airpower development.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Israel's Blaze Unveils Spider VTOL UAV
The Blaze UAV's small size and adaptability allow individuals to deploy it for tactical, covert, or extended-range real-time intelligence.
Aircraft
British HAPS Projects Aim for the Solar Heights
The Airbus Zephyr and the BAE Systems PHASA-35 offer new airborne communications and observation options.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UK Cancels Mosquito Loyal Wingman Demonstrator Program
The Mosquito uncrewed technology demonstrator will not be built as the money can be better spent elsewhere, says the UK defense ministry.
