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.
Aircraft
NBAA Returns to Vegas with New Home, Hybrid Approach
Many familiar features will be part of this year's NBAA-BACE but the October 12-14 event also folds in changes, from a new home to hybrid options.
Aircraft
DSEI Show Revives Physical Displays and In-Person Contacts
The biennial defense show in London was the first major international defense trade show to take place in Europe since the pandemic began.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
SkyGuardian RPAS Undertakes European Trials
Trials have proven the ability of the SkyGuardian to operate in controlled airspace as the UK gears up to begin operations with the Protector RG.Mk 1.
Rotorcraft
Blade Aims To Dominate Organ Transport Market in U.S.
Blade said it will merge its MediMobility business with Trinity Air Medical, which it has signed an agreement to acquire.
Aircraft
No Pilot On Board, But Autonomous Aircraft Can Still Fly Safely - FutureFlight Explainer
No Pilot On Board, But Autonomous Aircraft Can Still Fly Safely - FutureFlight Explainer
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Boeing’s Stingray Performs First Unmanned Refueling
The MQ-25 Stingray is on course to be deployed as a tanker aboard the U.S. Navy’s carriers.
Avionics
Merlin Developing Drop-in Autonomy Kit for King Airs
Merlin Labs will convert up to 55 Beechcraft King Air twin turboprops operated by Dynamic Aviation for autonomous flight
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Group To Launch Ireland's First Vertiport
A consortium of companies and organizations have come together in an MoU to launch Ireland’s first passenger and cargo vertiport at Shannon Airport.
Aircraft
eVTOLs Are Magnets for Investors, but Will They Be Cash Cows?
eVTOLs Are Magnets for Investors, but Will They Be Cash Cows?
Avionics
Project Vertex Taps Helo Flightlab for Autonomy Trials
Airbus is using its H130 Flightlab helicopter to evaluate new cameras, sensors, tablets and head-mounted displays for autonomous flight development work.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Fitting Helicopter Flightlab With Autonomous Capability
Airbus plans complete demonstration of autonomous helicopter Flightlab in 2023.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
First Global Hawk UAV for Japan Takes to the Air
Tokyo has ordered three examples of Northrop Grumman's high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned air vehicle, along with associated ground equipment.
Rotorcraft
Airbus VSR700 Optionally-piloted Helo Hits Speed Milestone
Airbus is expanding the flight envelope of its VSR700 optionally piloted vehicle (OPV), recently achieving forward speeds of 60 knots.
Accidents
L.A. Drone Pilot Avoids Prison
The operator of a drone that struck an LAPD AStar last year has been sentenced to a $500 fine and probation.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Valkyrie UAS Launches Small UAS from Weapons Bay
The March 26 test flight at Yuma Proving Ground was also used to expand the Valyrie’s performance envelope.
Rotorcraft
Bell Continues Cautious Swim into AAM Pool
Bell continues to move cautiously on its two marquis electric demonstration aircraft, the Nexus and APT.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Elbit and KAI Join Forces for Military UAS Collaboration
Links between Korean and Israeli industry are growing, particularly in the field of unmanned air systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Australia’s Loyal Wingman Flies For the First Time
The Airpower Teaming System air vehicle is the first military aircraft to be designed and built in Australia in over five decades.
Rotorcraft
Turkey Unveils Unmanned, Electric Attack Helicopter
Turkish Aerospace Industries expects to fly the new, electric-powered, unmanned T629 attack helicopter later this year.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
NATO’s Phoenix Fleet Achieves IOC
Initial operational capability has been reached by the Northrop Grumman RQ-4D fifteen months after the first was delivered.
Aircraft
United Airlines to Operate eVTOL Aircraft As SPACs Hover For Merger Deals
United Airlines to Operate eVTOL Aircraft As SPACs Hover For Merger Deals
Accidents
Drone Injures Helicopter Crewmember
Drone pierces windshield of Chilean Navy UH-57B, injuring front seat crewmember.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Groups Urge Coordination for European Drone Integration
A cross-section of aviation groups issued an open letter to EU member states, urging further collaboration in a number of areas for drone integration.
Rotorcraft
VFS Cancels In-person Forum 77
The Vertical Flight Society has canceled its annual in-person Forum gathering due to continuing covid concerns.
Rotorcraft
Airbus Helicopters Flightlab To Test UAM Technologies
Airbus flying laboratory dedicated to evaluating future UAM and helicopter innovations.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics Advances SeaGuardian Systems
The SeaGuardian is the maritime surveillance version of the MQ-9B, capable of anti-submarine warfare.
Accidents
Pilot To Be Sentenced after Drone Hits LAPD Helicopter
Andrew Rene Hernandez, 22, could receive up to one year in federal prison.
Aircraft
How Autonomous Flight Could Soon Revolutionize Air Cargo Services
How Autonomous Flight Could Soon Revolutionize Air Cargo Services
Regulations and Government
FAA Issues Final Remote ID Rule for Unmanned Aircraft
The FAA has issued new rules requiring the remote ID of unmanned aircraft and permitting small drones to be flown over people and at night.
Safety
Pilot Captures Video of 'Jetpack' Flying in LA Airspace
The video of what appears to be a manned jetpack shows it flying at 3,000 feet over the ocean near Palos Verdes, California.
