Camcopter S-100 increases experience on French Navy patrol vessel
Source: Schiebel, 17-Jun-13
Since the OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) L´Adroit was officially made available to the French Navy in October 2011, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) was able to prove its highly efficient maritime capability repeatedly. The Gowind Class L’Adroit, build by DCNS, has been designed to operate, amongst other capabilities, a UAS, and by installing [...]
ERDF and Cassidian working on unmanned powerline inspections
Source: Cassidian, 17-Jun-13
A cooperative experiment that has been on-going for about a year between French electricity distribution network operator ERDF (Electricité Réseau Distribution France) in the “Sillon Rhodanien” region and Survey Copter, a subsidiary of Cassidian, aims to define and develop UAV usage for the inspection of medium-high-voltage aerial power lines. The use of specially dedicated UAVs will [...]
Remote-controlled helicopter tested for use in vineyard applications
Source: UC Davis, 17-Jun-13
Under the watchful eye of news media and area winegrape growers, a remote-controlled helicopter, fitted with a spray applicator system, was field tested today over a vineyard in the heart of the famed Napa Valley by engineers at the University of California, Davis, and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. For 20 years, the small motorcyle-sized helicopter, [...]
Paris Air Show – Cassidian presents its Tanan 300 compact VTOL Tactical UAS
Source: Cassidian, 16-Jun-13
TANANTM 300 Cassidian presents its TANANTM 300 new-generation compact VTOL Tactical UAS (Vertical Take-Off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial System) for maritime and land missions. Designed in close collaboration with potential customers in order to match their specific requirements, TANANTM 300 is a real ‘eye in the sky’ thanks to a full HD imagery chain and to its [...]
New Draganflyer X4-ES Ultra Portable UAV released
Source: Draganflyer, 05-Jun-13
UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) able to carry high quality cameras have, until today, required prohibitively large transport cases. This has been changed by the release of Draganfly Innovations’ new Draganflyer X4-ES Ultra Portable Quadrotor UAV. Featuring new quick release patent pending tool-less removable rotors, new folding landing gear, and a new sleek molded carbon fiber, [...]
ING Robotic Aviation announced as Canada’s Reseller for Huginn X1 UAV
Source: ING Robotic Aviation, 04-Jun-13
ING Robotic Aviation is proud to announce that it has just entered into a partnership with Anthea Technologies to become the sole Canadian reseller of the Huginn X1 ‘quad rotor’ vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The X1 is an outstanding platform in terms of reliability, cost and flexibility, and is the best [...]
AHS Micro Air Vehicle Student Challenge Winners Announced
30-May-13
The Micro Air Vehicle Student Challenge was held at the AHS Forum 69 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday May 21. The Challenge was held at 5:30 p.m. in the exhibit hall during the Industry/Exhibitor Reception. The MAV Student Challenge pitted five student-researcher teams in a competition for up to $3,000 in prizes sponsored [...]
TAI shows R300 unmanned helicopter
Source: Flight Global, 16-May-13
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has unveiled the R300 unmanned helicopter, which it is aiming at meeting the requirements of the nation’s land forces and navy. (See Full Story)
Schiebel denies knowledge of Camcopter on Chinese warship
Source: Flight Global, 16-May-13
Austrian unmanned air vehicle manufacturer Schiebel says it has no knowledge of whether its Camcopter system has performed flights from a Chinese warship, despite apparent Japanese evidence of its use. (See Full Story)
Boston police want drones for 2014 marathon security
Source: The Washington Times, 29-Apr-13
Boston’s top cop wants drones hovering over next year’s marathon, but getting his hands on one may be easier said than done. More than 30 states, including Massachusetts, are rushing to restrict the use of drones by law enforcement, with some seeking to ban it in all but the most extreme circumstances. (See Full Story)
Eurocopter reveals optionally-piloted EC145
Source: Eurocopter, 26-Apr-13
Eurocopter’s ability to integrate unmanned flight capabilities into its helicopter family has been validated by an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV) demonstration program, which used an EC145 to fly routes that included deployment of an external sling load and a representative observation mission. Conducted at the French Air Force base in Istres, France, this program was [...]
RCMP fly Draganflyer UAV for accident/crime investigation work
Source: RCMP, 25-Mar-13
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is a leading North American national police force, covering three Canadian territories, eight provinces, more than 190 municipalities, 184 Aboriginal communities, and three international airports. The “F” division is responsible for the Saskatchewan region and like other divisions, is always looking for new technology to improve their level of service [...]
Will TV news helicopters be replaced by drones?
Source: CBS News, 22-Mar-13
TV’s eyes in the sky have been around for decades and are often indispensible for covering news scenes. On the horizon (figuratively, if not literally) are drones that do the same thing (see full story)
US Marines extend K-MAX unmanned helicopter’s use in Afghanistan
Source: Reuters, 18-Mar-13
The U.S. Marine Corps has extended indefinitely its use of two unmanned K-MAX heavy lift helicopters in Afghanistan, a Navy spokeswoman said, noting the aircraft kept re-supply trucks off the road and reduced the threat of roadside bombs. The Marine Corps sent the new autonomous helicopters, which were developed by Lockheed Martin Corp and privately-held [...]
Northrop Grumman to Produce More MQ-8C Fire Scouts for US Navy
Source: Northrop Grumman, 13-Mar-13
The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a contract valued at more than $71 million to produce six additional next-generation Fire Scout unmanned helicopters. The Fire Scout endurance upgrade, designated the MQ-8C and based on Bell Helicopter’s 407, will provide ship commanders with increased range, endurance and payload capacity over the current MQ-8B [...]
MQ-8B exceeds 8,000 hour milestone aboard USS Bradley
Source: U.S. Navy, 13-Mar-13
After exceeding the 8,000-flight-hour mark Friday, an MQ-8B Fire Scout assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 Detachment 5 prepares to land aboard USS Robert G. Bradley for a “hot pump” and re-launch while conducting maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations in the Mediterranean Sea March 11. Fire Scouts aboard Bradley are routinely flying 17-hour days [...]
Monroe City Council unanimously approves drone aircraft
12-Mar-13
City Officials told a local television station Friday funds from asset forfeiture will be used to purchase the drones. (see full story)
FAA approves Arlington Police’s drones
Source: Star Telegram, 11-Mar-13
The Arlington Police Department recently won approval from the federal government to fly two remote-control helicopters for public safety purposes ( see full story)
AIAA To Host California Policy Symposium on Civilian UAV Applications
Source: AIAA, 27-Feb-13
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will host a March symposium on the nonmilitary uses of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The “AIAA Policy Symposium: Civilian Applications of UAVs – A California Perspective” will take place March 26–28, 2013, at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, Thousand Oaks, Calif. The event is co-hosted by Lt. Gov. [...]
Kaman reports 2012 Q4 and Full Year Results
Source: Kaman, 26-Feb-13
Fourth Quarter 2012 Highlights From Continuing Operations: Diluted earnings per share of $0.52 ($0.61 Adjusted*), up 40.5% (15.1% Adjusted*) Net sales $399.3 million Distribution operating margin: 4.5% (4.6% Adjusted*) Aerospace operating margin: 15.0% (17.8% Adjusted*) Full Year 2012 Highlights From Continuing Operations: Diluted earnings per share of $2.03 ($2.18 Adjusted*), up 8.0% (8.5% Adjusted*) Record [...]
California County Inching Toward Drone Deployment?
Source: Wired, 22-Feb-13
Alameda County, just east of San Francisco, is closing in on becoming one of dozens of local law enforcement agencies nationwide to deploy the unmanned crafts. (see full story)
Kaman Corp adds another director
Source: Kaman, 20-Feb-13
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) today announced that Scott E. Kuechle, 53, has been appointed to the Board of Directors. The appointment of Kuechle, effective immediately, increases the Kaman board to ten members. Neal J. Keating, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Scott is a welcome addition to our board, bringing significant financial [...]
Camcopter S-100 flies again at IDEX
Source: Schiebel, 20-Feb-13
The 2013 IDEX International Defence Exhibition features an active participation of Schiebel, as the company underlines its continued strong market position with the proven CAMCOPTER® S-100 (UAE Armed Forces designation Al Saber) Unmanned Air System (UAS). Schiebel’s presence during the biennial trade show includes daily flight demonstrations, integrated with other air traffic, directly in the [...]
Thales I-Master radar completes Camcopter flight trials
Source: Schiebel, 19-Feb-13
Thales’ I-Master radar system has successfully completed flight trials on-board a Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS (Unmanned Air System). The flight trials on CAMCOPTER® S-100 took place on 7 February 2013 at the Schiebel test facility in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The flights, each lasting several hours, successfully proved both sensor performance and the stability of data [...]
FAA requests proposals for UAV test sites
Source: FAA, 14-Feb-13
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today solicited proposals from state and local governments, eligible universities and other public entities to develop six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. Through the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Congress directed the FAA to establish this program to conduct critical research into [...]
Seattle Mayor orders Police to end UAV usage
Source: HeliHub.com, 12-Feb-13
Mayor Mike McGlinn issued the following brief statement “Today I spoke with Seattle Police Chief John Diaz and we agreed that it was time to end the unmanned aerial vehicle program, so that SPD can focus its resources on public safety and the community building work that is the department’s priority. The vehicles will be [...]
Unmanned K-Max is nominee for Collier Trophy
Source: National Aeronautic Association, 11-Feb-13
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) today announced that seven aviation and aerospace projects will compete for the prestigious 2012 Robert J. Collier Trophy. The Collier Trophy, the “Greatest Award in Aviation,” has been the benchmark of aviation and aerospace achievement for over 100 years. Awarded annually “….for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in [...]
More avionics protection for MQ-8C Fire Scout
Source: Northrop Grumman, 01-Feb-13
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) received the first protective cage for its next-generation MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter that will store and shield the aircraft’s critical electronic components from strong electric fields and electromagnetic waves. A photo accompanying this release is available athttp://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=16944. Without the cage, electrical components inside the helicopter would be susceptible to lightning [...]
RCMP to expand use of unmanned mini-helicopters
Source: National Post, 28-Jan-13
“It’s starting to catch on more and more. Eventually, I think you’ll see (unmanned aerial vehicles) in almost all the provinces,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Dave Domoney (see full story)
Sheriff reassures Orange County residents on use of UAV program
Source: Orange County Sheriff, 25-Jan-13
We are currently in a test phase of this Unmanned Aerial Surveillance (UAS) platform and will not be using this UAS until we have appropriate permissions and have implemented training and guidelines. The OCSO has no intention of using this technology to spy on the citizens of Orange County, but to have it as a [...]
Unmanned K-MAX Wins Top Innovation Honors, USMC Praise
Source: Kaman, 09-Jan-13
The unmanned K-MAX(R) helicopter’s peerless ability to resupply combat troops safely, precisely and efficiently has won top honors from the prestigious magazines Popular Science and Aviation Week and has garnered high praise from the U.S. Marine Corps, which is expanding the aircraft’s role in Afghanistan. “We are proud of the Unmanned K-MAX’s performance in supporting [...]
UC Davis demo unmanned helicopter spraying vineyards
Source: Wines & Vines, 09-Jan-13
Professors at the University of California, Davis, recently demonstrated an unmanned helicopter that could have numerous vineyard uses including spraying liquid and granular pesticides, seeding cover crops and sensing and implementing precision agriculture. (see full story)
Northrop Grumman, Navy select Telephonics radar for Fire Scout
Source: Northrop Grumman, 09-Jan-13
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), under contract to the U.S. Navy, has selected Telephonics Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF), Long Island, N.Y., to provide a multimode maritime radar system for the Navy’s MQ-8B Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicle. A $33 million contract was awarded to provide the [...]
AIAA to host policy symposium on civil applications of UAVs
Source: AIAA, 01-Jan-13
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will host a March symposium on the nonmilitary uses of unmanned aerial vehicles. The “AIAA Policy Symposium: Civilian Applications of UAVs – A California Perspective” will take place March 26–28, 2013, at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, Thousand Oaks, Calif. The event is co-hosted by California State Assemblyman [...]
Camcopter integrates with Riegl’s VQ-820-GU airborne survey system
Source: Schiebel Industries, 21-Dec-12
Schiebel and Riegl Laser Measurement Systems GmbH are proud to announce the successful integration of the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) together with the Riegl VQ®-820-GU Hydrographic Airborne Sensor. This successful integration marked the first time that this new airborne sensor was flown on board of a UAV. The S-100 helicopter UAS carried [...]
Boeing names new VP/GM of Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs
Source: Boeing, 18-Dec-12
Company veteran Michael Kurth will oversee Boeing’s (NYSE:BA) unmanned airborne systems as of Jan. 1. Kurth, currently managing director of Boeing Defence UK Ltd. (BDUK), will relocate to St. Louis as vice president and general manager, Unmanned Airborne Systems Programs, reporting to Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. David Pitchforth, managing director for UK Rotorcraft Support, a [...]
Boeing demos Unmanned Little Bird to Korea
Source: Boeing, 17-Dec-12
Boeing [NYSE: BA] today demonstrated affordable unmanned aircraft technology that could be integrated onto Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) MD 500 helicopters to expand the fleet’s mission capabilities. A Boeing Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) demonstrator aircraft, a variant of the highly successful MD 500 helicopter, autonomously flew for approximately 25 minutes at the ROKA Aviation [...]
DARPA funds trials of unmanned hovering UAV with robot arm
Source: DARPA, 11-Dec-12
When a person reaches out to place an object in just the right place, their mind makes a series of judgments requiring vision, stability and careful movement. Trying to do the same thing robotically from a hovering unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) requires several technology advances. A DARPA-funded technology demonstration recently finished a successful testing of [...]
EHS Announce Patron for 2013 event
Source: European Helicopter Show, 11-Dec-12
European Helicopter Show is pleased to announce the patronage of Mr Přemysl Sobotka, Vice-President of the Senate of Parliament, Czech Republic. The political career of Mr Přemysl Sobotka started in the Velvet Revolution in 1989, where he was a member of the “for-all” Civic Forum and joined the right-wing Civic Democratic Party after its foundation [...]
FAA approves Grand Forks County Sheriff to use Draganflyer X6 UAS
Source: Grand Forks County, 11-Dec-12
On November 27, 2012 the Federal Aviation Administration issued the Grand Forks County (North Dakota) Sheriff’s Department a Certificate of Authorization (COA) permitting the operation of a Draganflyer X6 small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) within the 16 counties located in northeastern North Dakota. The counties include: Grand Forks, Rolette, Towner, Cavalier, Pembina, Pierce, Benson, Ramsey, [...]
US Army Black Hawk flies autonomously over California
Source: US Army, 06-Dec-12
Over the skies east of San Jose, a Black Hawk helicopter was seen flying low and slow Nov. 5. There were pilots aboard the aircraft, but all maneuvers during this flight were being conducted autonomously. The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command’s Aviation and Missile Center successfully demonstrated low-level autonomous behaviors in a flight [...]
AeroVironment invests in CybAero to gain US/NATO selling rights
Source: AeroVironment, 04-Dec-12
AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced it has entered into a strategic relationship with Sweden-based CybAero AB (NASDAQOMXS: CBA) to develop and distribute a Tier II vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system in response to unmet requirements from multiple customers. The relationship gives AeroVironment exclusive rights to provide CybAero AB systems to United [...]
Seattle police UAV plan hits severe turbulence
Source: Reuters, 28-Nov-12
The two Draganflyer X6 remote-controlled miniature helicopters purchased by Seattle have so far been mostly grounded, restricted to training and demonstration flights. Each is equipped to carry video, still and night-vision cameras. (see full story)
Dept Homeland Security issues UAV impact assessment report
Source: Dept of Homeland Security, 27-Nov-12
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science &Technology (S&T) Directorate and the State of Oklahoma are partnering on the Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) project to test and evaluate Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) for potential use by the first responder community and DHS operational components. SUAS include small aircraft (typically under 55 pounds [...]
Kaman closes on new $500M five-year credit facility
Source: Kaman, 21-Nov-12
Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN) announced that today it has closed on a new five-year $500 million credit facility replacing its prior $317.5 million credit facility. The facility includes a collateralized security agreement and carries a standard financial covenant package, which the company believes reflects current market terms and conditions. The facility consists of a $400 million revolving credit [...]
Aermatica cleared to test UAV in non-segregated airspace
Source: Aermatica, 12-Nov-12
ENEL, the main Italian electric utility and one of the most important in the world, started a study concerning remote monitoring of its own power plants through small RPA. The possibility to satisfy those needs is only partially matter of mere technology; on the contrary starting of use of small RPA in professional industrial contexts [...]
New single-seat electric coaxial helicopter concept in Japan
Source: HeliHub.com, 11-Nov-12
Radio-controlled helicopter manufacturer Hirobo has developed a new full-size helicopter, the Hirobo Bit. Shown at the recent Japan Aerospace show, the all-composite helicopter was shown, although no videos are known to exist of the aircraft in flight. With an electric engine and coaxial rotor system, Hirobo expect this to be a very quiet helicopter, although [...]
HAI and industry urge continued NAS-UAS integration
Source: HAI, 09-Nov-12
HAI President Matt Zuccaro and 19 other aviation industry leaders have sent a letter to Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta on behalf of their associations, urging the FAA to continue to press forward with the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS). “… As a goal, the FAA should ensure that [...]
Kaman Board of Directors Declares Dividend
Source: Kaman, 08-Nov-12
The Kaman Corporation board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 16 cents per common share. The dividend will be paid on January 8, 2013 to shareholders of record on December 24, 2012. The payment, when made, will mark forty-three consecutive years of dividend payments by Kaman. Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by [...]
First UAV demo for ADS-B fully autonomous collision avoidance
Source: R³ Engineering, 05-Nov-12
R³ Engineering LLC (R³E) announces the first ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast) based, fully autonomous collision avoidance sequence, executed by a sense and avoid system installed on an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). On Friday August 10th, 2012, an AWSAS™ (R³E’s All Weather Sense and Avoid System) installed on a research UAS, with no external command or control [...]
China’s largest unmanned helicopter goes into service
Source: HeliHub.com, 01-Nov-12
China’s largest locally-built unmanned helicopter is now in service in Shandong province, authorities said on Thursday. The mid-sized helicopter has passed all required flight tests and is fully operational, reported Xinhua. The helicopter, with some marked design similarities to the Brantly B2 of the 1950s, has an available load of 80kg, maximum speed of 161kmh [...]
Hurricane Sandy postpones Kaman Q3 results
Source: Kaman, 30-Oct-12
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) announced today that it will postpone the release of its third quarter 2012 results. The new release date will be after the stock market closes on Wednesday, October 31, 2012. Management will host a webcast and conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 am ET on Thursday, November 1, 2012. “The [...]
European Helicopter Show 2013 dates announced
Source: European Helicopter Show, 12-Oct-12
The dates are now confirmed for European Helicopter Show 2013. The event will take place at Hradec Králové in Czech Republic during 9th – 11th of May 2013. This new helicopter event in Czech Republic, 9th -11th May 2013, is already attracting a positive reaction within the helicopter industry, with major manufacturers including Bell Europe [...]
Scion UAS wins military contract for unmanned helicopters
11-Oct-12
Scion UAS must deliver one such helicopter to the Naval Research Laboratory within six months, another three months later, with an option for a third, according to Scion co-founder Jim Sampson. (see full story)
Smartphones to Steer Unmanned Rotorcraft on the Battlefield
Source: Office of Naval Research, 08-Oct-12
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin and Aurora Flight Sciences on Sept. 28 to develop robotic rotorcraft capable of supporting rapid autonomous aerial cargo delivery to the battlefield. ONR is initially providing $28 million to the industry-led teams to develop prototype concepts in the Autonomous Aerial Cargo Utility System (AACUS) [...]
Northrop Grumman awarded $24M delivery order for MQ-8B parts
Source: US DoD, 07-Oct-12
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $24,476,978 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-10-G-0003) for spare parts and supplies in support of the MQ-8B vertical take-off and landing tactical unmanned air vehicle. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (36 percent), Horseheads, N.Y. (30 percent); [...]
Draganflyer ‘ES’ unmanned helicopter assists Fire and Police services
Source: Draganflyer, 30-Sep-12
The Draganflyer ES (Emergency Services) unmanned aircraft line provides two models, a six rotor Draganflyer X6-ES helicopter and a new larger version with four rotors, the Draganflyer X4-ES helicopter. The X6-ES and X4-ES are models exclusively sold to Public Safety Agencies. Used to obtain video from an aerial vantage point, these unmanned aircraft feature a digital wireless video [...]
Northrop Grumman awarded $28M MQ-8B Fire Scout support contract
Source: US DoD, 28-Sep-12
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $28,126,043 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for software sustainment, non-recurring engineering support and obsolescence efforts including future growth software development for the vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle Fire Scout MQ-8B. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent), and Patuxent River Naval Air [...]
ISR Group and Vanguard Defense sign for ShadowHawk UAS ops
Source: ISR Group, 23-Sep-12
ISR Group, Inc. and Vanguard Defense Industries, Inc., leaders in unmanned systems technologies, have signed an exclusive agreement for ISR Group to perform flight operations, operator training, and maintenance services in support of Vanguard Defense’s Shadowhawk unmanned aircraft system platform. This agreement will provide unmanned vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) systems to support U.S. and [...]
US Police groups urge limit on UAVs
Source: Washington Times, 03-Sep-12
Faced with a skeptical public uneasy about the potential impact of drones on personal privacy, three leading law enforcement groups on Friday endorsed industry-backed guidelines limiting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). (see full story)
FAA delays plans for UAS test sites
Source: AUVSI, 29-Aug-12
The Federal Aviation Administration’s 12 Aug. deadline for establishing six nationwide UAS test sites came and went with no announcement. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 mandated those sites as part of the establishment of that pilot program to integrate UAS into the National Airspace System by 2015. In response, AUVSI President and [...]
RCMP adds two unmanned mini-UAVs in Manitoba
Source: CBC, 28-Aug-12
The two Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) units will be used taking aerial photos and videos of motor vehicle collision scenes and crime scenes. (see full story)
Cubic to Provide Smaller, Lighter Digital Data Link for MQ-8C Fire Scout
Source: Cubic, 28-Aug-12
Cubic Defense Applications (NYSE: CUB), a defense systems business of Cubic Corporation, received a $3.7 million contract from Northrop Grumman Corporation to produce a new multiband digital data link system for the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. The data link uses smaller and lighter components to do the mission-critical job of transferring full-motion video and [...]
AUVSI applauds Police Chiefs for adopting Unmanned aircraft guidelines
Source: AUVSI, 20-Aug-12
AUVSI applauded the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for adopting guidelines for the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The guidelines provide law enforcement agencies an outline of how to use UAS safely and responsibly, and with respect to individuals’ privacy. The adoption of the IACP guidelines follows the recent adoption of AUVSI’s [...]
Boeing demonstrates autonomous ship-based capability of Unmanned Little Bird
Source: Boeing, 14-Aug-12
The Boeing [NYSE: BA] Unmanned Little Bird H-6U successfully performed 14 autonomous takeoffs and landings from a ship during flight tests in July, a significant milestone for a medium-size vertical-takeoff-and-landing unmanned airborne system (UAS). For the tests, conducted from a private ship off the coast of Florida, Boeing integrated a commercial-off-the-shelf takeoff-and-landing system with Unmanned [...]
Summit Aviation wins Fire Scout contract
Source: Summit Aviation, 13-Aug-12
Summit Aviation, a Greenwich AeroGroup Company, announced they have been selected by Northrop Grumman to build Faraday Cages for their Fire Scout program. Summit Aviation will be responsible for procuring material and tooling, preparing manufacturing planning and quality documentations as well as performing the final assembly. The Faraday Cage is a subassembly that is installed [...]
Unmanned drone identifies precise positioning of fire ignition source
Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences, 07-Aug-12
Recently, a fire drill was performed by researchers at Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences (SIA), simulating fire scenes in high-rise buildings and around the city. During the exercise, the rotorcraft flying robot system for fire scene monitoring and emergency treatment developed by SIA realized precise positioning of ignition source and fire scene [...]
AUVSI Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors
Source: AUVSI, 06-Aug-12
AUVSI announces its newly elected leaders on its Board of Directors. Officers elected for the 2012-2013 term are Peter Bale, chairman; John Lademan, executive vice chairman; Ralph Alderson, first vice chairman and Joe Brannan, treasurer. Additionally, John Lambert continues as immediate past chairman for this term. Newly elected to the AUVSI Board of Directors: Jason [...]
USMC extend unmanned K-Max in-theatre deployment again
Source: Lockheed Martin, 01-Aug-12
For the second time this year, the U.S. Marine Corps has approved the deployment extension of K-MAX Cargo UAS, the first unmanned helicopter to deliver cargo and resupply troops in a combat zone. By supplying forward operating bases with K-MAX instead of ground convoy or manned aircraft, the Marine Corps has reduced the threat posed [...]
Marines find K-Max cargo unmanned aerial system ‘reliable’
Source: US Marine Corps, 31-Jul-12
It takes the right elements to create a life-saving capability for the combat zone, as discovered after the first cargo resupply unmanned aerial system, or CRUAS, deployment made aviation history. NAVAIR, the Marine Corps and industry partners found the right mix when they integrated a video game controller, rugged laptop and a KMAX K-2000 commercial, [...]
AUVSI Releases “Code of Conduct” for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations
Source: AUVSI, 31-Jul-12
AUVSI published the “Unmanned Aircraft System Operations Industry Code of Conduct” www.auvsi.org/conduct, a set of guidelines to provide AUVSI members – and those who design, test and operate UAS for public and civil use – with recommendations for their safe, non-intrusive operation. Central to the “Code of Conduct” is the need for “safety, professionalism and respect” [...]
UK looks again at rotary-wing UAS demonstration
Source: Janes, 30-Jul-12
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has rekindled a maritime vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned air system (UAS) concept demonstration (see full story)
RCMP Using Draganflyer RC Helicopter UAV to aid Traffic Investigations
Source: Draganflyer, 19-Jul-12
The Canadian Press recently published an article outlining how the RCMP is using the Draganflyer UAV helicopters to aid in their police investigations. As Jim Bronskill for the Canadian Press reports, the RCMP is eyeing the creation of a national fleet of small, drone like helicopters. The plan is to have the helicopter drones fitted [...]
Northrop Grumman, AUVSI Partner to Develop Unmanned Systems Engineers
Source: Northrop Grumman, 17-Jul-12
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has taken on the prime sponsorship of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) student competitions for 2012. The competitions give high school and college students worldwide the chance to design, develop and operate unmanned systems for sea, land and air. The students receive a hands-on learning experience on how [...]
Northrop Grumman, US Navy establish Fire Scout Training Center in Florida
Source: Northrop Grumman, 16-Jul-12
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has established a new training facility for Fire Scout unmanned helicopter operators that offers improved flight simulators, hands-on aircraft maintenance and classroom instruction. Opened July 10 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., the Fire Scout Training Center will meet increasing demands for trained operators as the system is used more during [...]
