16-May-2016Source: HAI
Coming on the heels of HAI’s expansion to include UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) operators and owners, HAI President and CEO Matt Zuccaro told ROTOR Daily that he was able to use his participation in a recent meeting on UAS issues to explain the helicopter industry’s concerns and positions to the UAS community. Zuccaro was one... Read more
10-May-2016Source: Argus
Argus International, Inc. (Argus) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) of Orlando, Florida, a privately held business that has carved out a recognized and respected position in the safety training, certification and management of unmanned aerial vehicles. The acquisition augments Argus’ global aviation safety presence in the airline, business... Read more
10-May-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expanding the part of its Pathfinder Program that focuses on detecting and identifying unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flying too close to airports. Today the FAA signed Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRDAs) with Gryphon Sensors, Liteye Systems Inc. and Sensofusion. The FAA will evaluate procedures and technologies designed to... Read more
5-May-2016Source: EASA
The European Aviation Safety Agency announces today the creation of a task force to assess the risk of collision between drones and aircraft. The task force will: Review all relevant occurrences including the occurrences collected by the European Member States, Analyse the existing studies on the subject of impact between drones and aircraft, Study the... Read more
5-May-2016Source: FAA
Speaking today at the AUVSI annual conference in New Orleans, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced the agency is establishing a broad-based advisory committee that will provide advice on key unmanned aircraft integration issues. He also announced plans to make it easier for students to fly unmanned aircraft as part of their coursework. Huerta said the drone... Read more
3-May-2016Source: CybAero
During the last week of April CybAero ended an extensive test campaign with their ship based system APID One. The clients of the campaign were FMV (the Swedish Defence Procurement Agency) in collaboration with the Swedish Navy. The campaign has been going on for over a year and ended with numerous flights during week 17,... Read more
29-Apr-2016Source: US DoD
Raytheon Co., Dulles, Virginia, is being awarded a $21,592,886 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to continue the software upgrade transition in support of the MQ-8 fire scout unmanned aircraft system tactical control system 2016 Linux cyber baseline. Work will be performed in Dulles, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in October 2018. Fiscal 2015 and 2016... Read more
28-Apr-2016Source: On The Radar
In the past week the FAA quietly issued a historic decision, approving commercial drone flights at night. See full story... Read more
26-Apr-2016Source: HeliRussia
On May 21 the IX International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2016 in will host a unique event – Drone Racing. This is a new and exciting sport for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) pilots, who compete in precision and speed. A special drone racing track will be opened at the “Crocus Expo” IEC where the expo... Read more
26-Apr-2016Source: Aurora
Aurora Flight Sciences announced today that a subscale vehicle demonstrator (SVD) of its LightningStrike, Vertical Take-off and Landing Experimental Plane (VTOL x-plane) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) was successfully flown at a U.S. military facility. The flight of the subscale aircraft met an important DARPA risk reduction requirement, focusing on validation of... Read more
22-Apr-2016Source: FAA
What’s not to like about an automated government system that’s faster, simpler and more user-friendly than the paper-based system it supplements? In a Federal Register notice (PDF), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officially notified owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for commercial, public and other non-model aircraft operations they may now use the FAA’s... Read more
18-Apr-2016Source: HeliHub.com
Police in London were last night investigating after an object – reported to be a drone – struck the nose of a British Airways jet over Heathrow in what is believed to be the first case of its kind. The pilot of flight BA727 from Geneva, carrying 132 passengers and five crew members, reported the... Read more
13-Apr-2016Source: Rockwell Collins
FT Sistemas has selected Rockwell Collins to provide its Micro Inertial Navigation Sensor (INS) for the new FT-200FH unmanned Category 2 helicopter. The agreement between the companies was announced at the FIDAE 2016 air show in the Brazil pavilion, coordinated by ABIMDE in partnership with Apex-Brasil. “Rockwell Collins has been a valued partner throughout the... Read more
11-Apr-2016Source: Surrey Police
Surrey and Sussex Police have acquired four new state-of-the-art drones. The Aeryon SkyRangers will add to the existing one which has been used to support policing operations at Gatwick since March 2014. The drones – also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – are designed to be used to safeguard people and to assist with... Read more
1-Apr-2016Source: FAA
Thursday, March 31 – Starting today, owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) used for commercial, public and other non-model aircraft operations will be able to use the FAA’s new, streamlined, web-based registration process to register their aircraft. The web-based process will significantly speed up registration for a variety of commercial, public use and other... Read more
30-Mar-2016Source: FAA
After a comprehensive risk analysis, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has raised the unmanned aircraft (UAS) “blanket” altitude authorization for Section 333 exemption holders and government aircraft operators to 400 feet. Previously, the agency had put in place a nationwide Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) for such flights up to 200 feet. The new... Read more
28-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today released an updated list of pilot, air traffic controller and citizen reports of possible encounters with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The latest report covers August 22, 2015 through January 31, 2016. Reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically since 2014. Safely integrating unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system is one... Read more
22-Mar-2016Source: AVX Aircraft
AVX Aircraft Company announced today that it is part of a team with Northrop Grumman Corporation that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected to complete Phase 3 of Tern, a joint program between DARPA and the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR). AVX will be responsible for the final design, fabrication... Read more
17-Mar-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and key government agencies involved in unmanned aircraft operations are expanding participation in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Executive Committee (EXCOM). The committee provides federal agencies with a forum to share information and reduce redundancies on UAS research and development, and resolve policy and procedural issues on safe UAS integration... Read more
16-Mar-2016Source: HeliRussia
Industry of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is actively integrating into the developed aerospace field. An example of this is an increase in presence of the UAS companies at the IX International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2016 which to be held in May this year. HeliRussia 2016 visitors can get acquainted with the latest developments in... Read more
15-Mar-2016Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Sally French, “The Drone Girl,” today led a lively panel discussion about the future of small unmanned aircraft at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin on Monday. The panel included a diverse group of innovative thinkers from industry and government. In his opening remarks, Administrator Huerta outlined recent progress on... Read more
13-Mar-2016Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will make opening remarks and moderate a panel discussion with several industry and government partners about the future of small unmanned aircraft – at the SXSW “South By South West” event. Discussion topics are expected to include UAS registration, the MicroUAS aviation rulemaking committee, steps to speed integration, new uses for... Read more
10-Mar-2016Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Systems, San Diego, California, is being awarded $7,280,560 for cost-plus-fixed-fee task order 1269 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026) in support of the MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned aircraft systems. This test support effort for the MQ-8C includes software verification; software regression; cybersecurity; dynamic interface; and other requirements in preparation... Read more
10-Mar-2016Source: US DoD
L-3 Communications, Communication Systems–West, Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded $11,402,168 for modification PO0023 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-12-C-2024) to exercise an option to procure eight AN/SRQ-4 Common Data Link Hawklink systems in support of the MH-60R and Fire Scout programs. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah (60 percent);... Read more
9-Mar-2016Source: NBAA
The FAA-led effort to develop and test a detection system that identifies unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating on and near airports is a good first step, said Sarah Wolf, NBAA’s senior manager of security and facilitation. As this technology matures, it will contribute to the safety of NBAA members that operate both manned and unmanned... Read more
1-Mar-2016Source: Argus
ARGUS International, Inc. (ARGUS) is pleased to announce their intent to acquire Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) of Orlando, Florida, a privately held business that has carved out a recognized and respected position in the safety training, certification and management of unmanned aerial vehicles. The acquisition couples nicely with ARGUS’ global presence in the aviation safety... Read more
29-Feb-2016Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is establishing an aviation rulemaking committee (PDF)with industry stakeholders to develop recommendations for a regulatory framework that would allow certain UAS to be operated over people who are not directly involved in the operation of the aircraft. The FAA is taking this action to provide a more flexible,... Read more
25-Feb-2016Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is establishing an aviation rule making committee (PDF)with industry stakeholders to develop recommendations for a regulatory framework that would allow certain UAS to be operated over people who are not directly involved in the operation of the aircraft. The FAA is taking this action to provide... Read more
24-Feb-2016Source: Kaman
The Kaman Corporation (NYSE:KAMN) board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 18 cents per common share. The dividend will be paid on April 7, 2016 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2016. About Kaman Corporation Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts... Read more
23-Feb-2016Source: USI
The Unmanned Safety Institute, a professional organization dedicated to the safe and responsible integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the U.S. National Airspace System, today announced a joint partnership with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) to provide educational workshops to the law enforcement community throughout the United States. The purpose of the... Read more
19-Feb-2016Source: FAA
Each month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives more than 100 reports from pilots and others who spot what appears to be an unmanned aircraft (UAS) flying close to an airport or a manned airplane. It’s become a serious safety concern for the agency, and a potential security issue for the Department of Homeland Security... Read more
18-Feb-2016Source: Airbus
Airbus Helicopters (Airbus) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Proof-of-Concept Trials, named the Skyways Project, in Singapore. The MOU was signed between Jean-Brice Dumont, Executive Vice-President, Engineering, Airbus Helicopters and Kevin Shum, Director-General of CAAS at the side lines of... Read more
17-Feb-2016Source: Russian Helicopters
A unique unmanned tiltrotor has successfully completed a new testing stage by performing its first flight. The aircraft was created by VR-Technologies, an innovative design bureau, part of Russian Helicopters. A number of oil and gas companies and various government agencies are already showing interest in the unique project. “The development of the unique aircraft started... Read more
17-Feb-2016Source: EDA
A contract for the Enhanced RPAS Automation (ERA) project was signed between the EDA and a multinational industrial consortium in mid-December 2015. The project will support the widespread use of both civil and military RPAS in non-segregated airspace in Europe in general and their integration in airport operations in particular, addressing several capability gaps identified... Read more
10-Feb-2016Source: Bristow
Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: BRS) and Sky-Futures today announced that Bristow has invested $4.2 million in Sky-Futures, the leading provider of drone inspection data services for the oil and gas industry. This investment gives Bristow immediate entry to the fast-growing UAV services business and bolsters Bristow’s offerings to include drone inspection services. The investment, which... Read more
10-Feb-2016Source: Greek wire
In a move that Disney says could advance entertainment as well as advertising, the media powerhouse has filed a patent application for a “projection assembly for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV),” according to a copy of the filing. See Full Story... Read more
10-Feb-2016Source: WDBJ7
On Friday, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard pilots and drone operators met at the hangar on McClanahan Street in Roanoke to talk about safe ways to share the airspace. See Full Story... Read more
9-Feb-2016Source: Schiebel
Schiebel and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), the Netherlands Coastguard and the Royal Netherlands Air Force conducted a series of successful flights with a newly developed airborne Detect and Avoid System at the airport of Den Helder in December 2015. The AIRICA (ATM Innovative RPAS Integration for Coastguard Applications) project marks a major step forward... Read more
27-Jan-2016Source: Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University and Sikorsky Aircraft researchers have used an autonomous helicopter and an autonomous ground vehicle to demonstrate for the U.S. Army that ground and air robots can perform complex, cooperative missions. A Black Hawk helicopter equipped for autonomous operation by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Co., delivered a Land Tamer autonomous unmanned ground vehicle... Read more
25-Jan-2016Source: FAA
Nearly 300,000 owners have registered their small unmanned aircraft in the first 30 days after the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) online registration system went live. Owners who registered in the first month received a refund for the $5 application fee. “I am pleased the public responded to our call to register,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary... Read more
24-Jan-2016Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Systems, San Diego, California, is being awarded an $8,171,523 modification P00002 to a previously issued cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-16-C-0023) to exercise options for engines, program related engineering services, integrated logistics, and training in support of the MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (90 percent);... Read more
22-Jan-2016Source: PC World
The Los Angeles County District Attorney filed criminal cases against two drone pilots on Wednesday for allegedly flying their drones in controlled airspace. See Full story... Read more
18-Jan-2016Source: The Hill
Federal Aviation Administration chief Michael Huerta said Wednesday that 181,000 drones have been recorded thus far under new rules that require users to pay a fee and register their devices with the federal government. See Full Story... Read more
15-Jan-2016Source: Riegl
The first show this month will be The International Remote Sensing Conference. The International Remote Sensing Conference will be held from January 17 through 20, 2016 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Global technology leaders in remote sensing will gather to share their latest advances in the field. his event is an opportunity for professionals from various... Read more
14-Jan-2016Source: Saab
Saab will deliver three UAV systems to the Swedish Police. Each system comprises air vehicles equipped with day/night sensors and a ground station, plus spare parts, consumables, documentation, training and technical support. The contract will be in effect from 2016 to 2018. The remote-controlled UAV system selected by the Swedish Police uses the proven Qube... Read more
13-Jan-2016Source: AHS
MAV Student Teams! This is a reminder to submit your Team Information Form for the 4th Annual AHS MAV Student Challenge by Friday, January 22. Finalists will be selected in the next three months to participate in the final fly off at the 72nd Annual Forum in West Palm Beach, Florida. Up to $10,000 in... Read more
7-Jan-2016Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Systems, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $10,423,637 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for sustainment and logistics services in support of MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Services to be provided include systems and software engineering, training and integrated logistical support. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (90 percent) and Point... Read more
7-Jan-2016Source: UAS Magazine
A U.S. Federal Aviation Administration unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) designated test site has received a new round of funding from the state of New York.See Full story.... Read more
7-Jan-2016Source: FAA
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today announced the public release of the B4UFLY mobile application following an initial beta testing period. B4UFLY tells users about current or upcoming requirements and restrictions in areas of the National Airspace System (NAS) where they may want to operate their unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The app is... Read more
6-Jan-2016Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will discuss unmanned aircraft registration and provide updates on the agency’s work to safely integrate them into the National Airspace System (NAS). He will be joined by four key UAS Registration Task Force members. In moving ahead with safely integrating UAS into the world’s busiest and most complex airspace, the FAA... Read more
5-Jan-2016Source: Cybaero
The Board of Directors of CybAero AB has appointed Deputy Chair Anna Öhrwall Rönnbäck to serve as the new board chair, effective January 1, 2016. The board also appointed Göran Larsbrink as the new vice chair. Former chair Claes Drougge will stay on as a regular board member. About CybAero CybAero develops and manufactures Remotely... Read more
5-Jan-2016Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new web-based registration system for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is now active. Hobbyists and recreational users who fly UAS, which include remote controlled aircraft, may register atwww.faa.gov/uas/registration. Owners must register small UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) if they... Read more
4-Jan-2016Source: CybAero
Delivery of three unmanned helicopter systems to China Customs has been rescheduled for early 2016 in consultation with the client. Delivery was originally scheduled for late 2015 following extensive testing in the Baltic Sea with takeoffs and landings from moving platforms. The delay was caused by additional requirements and features and the fact that the... Read more
18-Dec-2015Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new fact sheet on state and local regulation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provides information for states and municipalities considering laws or regulations addressing UAS use. The document outlines FAA’s safety reasons for federal oversight of aviation and airspace, and explains federal responsibility in this area. The fact sheet provides... Read more
16-Dec-2015Source: CybAero
The Board of Directors of CybAero has resolved to conduct a private placement of 2,749,000 shares to Subversive Capital LLC. The resolution is subject to approval at an extraordinary general meeting on December 30, 2015. In addition, it is proposed that the extraordinary general meeting also resolve to elect two representatives of Subversive Capital to... Read more
15-Dec-2015Source: FAA
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced a streamlined and user-friendly web-based aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) including payloads such as on-board cameras. The Registration Task Force delivered recommendations to FAA... Read more
9-Dec-2015Source: Roke
As part of its Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) Innovation Challenge, the UK Ministry of Defence has selected Roke Manor Research (Roke) to develop an innovative data link solution capable of transmitting real-time images and video from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) using 3G cellular technology. Roke will design the world’s first high altitude data link to... Read more
7-Dec-2015Source: Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) demonstrated its ability to integrate unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations into the National Airspace System (NAS) using its prototype UAS Traffic Management (UTM) capabilities. During the demonstration on Nov. 18, the Stalker XE UAS provided data and a precise geolocation to the unmanned K-MAX cargo helicopter, which conducted water drops to... Read more
3-Dec-2015Source: FAA
You’ve bought that shiny new camera-equipped drone you’ve yearning for. You can’t wait to get into the sky and let loose your inner high-flying aerial photographer, right? Did you know you’re also going to become a pilot? When you fly your drone anywhere in the nation’s airspace, you automatically become part of the U.S. aviation system. Under the... Read more
2-Dec-2015Source: Northrop Grumman
The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) completed a successful land-based operational assessment (OA) with the unmanned, autonomous helicopter MQ-8C Fire Scout, at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Nov. 20. The OA demonstrated the endurance and sensor integration capabilities on the new MQ-8C airframe. The Fire Scout collected real time data points during... Read more
26-Nov-2015Source: Helirussia
Next year at the IX International Helicopter Industry Exhibition HeliRussia 2016, held 19-21 May, a significant expansion of the program with the specialized exposition of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or “drones”) and associated accessories is expected. Flight demonstration of several models is scheduled in the course of event. Modern UAVs vary by the type,... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: US DoD
Aurora Flight Sciences, Manassas, Virginia, is being awarded $11,146,376 for cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00018 under previously awarded contract N00014-12-C-0671 for the Autonomous Aerial Cargo I Utility System (AACUS) program. The Office of Naval Research funded the AACUS program which is an innovative Naval prototype pursuing significant advances in the state of the art in rotorcraft autonomy. ... Read more
16-Nov-2015Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants unmanned aircraft owners to know that there’s no need to work with a “drone registration” company to help them file an application for a registration number. Owners should wait until additional details about the forthcoming drone registration system are announced later this month before paying anyone to do the... Read more
9-Nov-2015Source: R&D Magazine
Smuggling contraband into prison via the body or a “friendly” guard may not be a thing of the past. See Full Story... Read more
5-Nov-2015Source: Devon & Cornwall Police,
Police are to embark on a six-month trial of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), more commonly known as drones, in Devon, Cornwall and Dorset to aid officers in a number of policing matters including missing people searches and crime scene photography. Starting on the 2nd of November, police in Devon and Cornwall will be able to... Read more
4-Nov-2015Source: HAI
HAI’s new unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) committee is meeting for the first time this week. The committee is comprised of 20 members from manned and unmanned operators, UAS manufacturers, and academia. In addition, advisors from the FAA and NASA and an observer from the NTSB are on hand to provide support. On its first day,... Read more
4-Nov-2015Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta opened the UAS Registration Meeting on Monday with the following:- Good morning, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to be here. Unmanned aircraft use has increased dramatically in recent years. With this surge in popularity has come growing concerns about their safe operation in our nation’s airspace. In recent months,... Read more
30-Oct-2015Source: Defense One
The Army’s signature rotorcraft, equipped with new hardware and software, shows off a new self-piloting capability and robotic teaming. See Full Story... Read more
29-Oct-2015Source: FAA
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta today announced the membership of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Registration Task Force. Earl Lawrence, Director of the FAA’s UAS Integration Office, and Dave Vos of Google X will co-chair the group. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and Administrator Huerta announced the formation of the Task... Read more
28-Oct-2015Source: Schiebel
Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS) continues its successful shipboard trials when demonstrating its outstanding capabilities to the South African Navy from 20 to 23 October 2015 at False Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. The maritime environment holds unique demands for situational awareness and timely communications. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 is a much needed asset... Read more
28-Oct-2015Source: NBC News
The case against a Kentucky man who was arrested after shooting down his neighbor’s drone was dismissed on Monday. See Full Story... Read more
28-Oct-2015Source: REUTERS
Wal-Mart Stores Inc applied Monday to U.S. regulators for permission to test drones for home delivery, curbside pickup and checking warehouse inventories, a sign it plans to go head-to-head with Amazon in using drones to fill and deliver online orders. See Full Story... Read more
27-Oct-2015Source: CPH post
The Environment and Food Ministry is contributing 1.7 million kroner to a project in which water and airborne drones will be used to find shoals of fish with the aim of improving business for fishermen and reducing the environmental impact of the industry. See Full Story... Read more
15-Oct-2015Source: Robotics Tomorrow
Japan has always been at the front position of new technologies, and the commercial production of drones could be a multibillion yen industry. See Full Story... Read more
14-Oct-2015Source: Kaman
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) announced today that it will report its third quarter 2015 results after the stock market closes on Thursday, October 29, 2015, and host a live webcast and conference call at 8:30 am ET on Friday, October 30, 2015. The call will be accessible by telephone within the U.S. at (866) 291-5954 and... Read more
