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 »
Source: FAA, 15-Mar-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 13-Mar-16
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 »
Source: US DoD, 10-Mar-16
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 »
Source: US DoD, 10-Mar-16
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 »
Source: NBAA, 09-Mar-16
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 »
Source: Argus, 01-Mar-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 29-Feb-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 25-Feb-16
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 »
Source: Kaman, 24-Feb-16
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 »
Source: USI, 23-Feb-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 19-Feb-16
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 »
Source: Airbus, 18-Feb-16
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 »
Source: Russian Helicopters, 17-Feb-16
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 »
Source: EDA, 17-Feb-16
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 »
Source: Bristow, 10-Feb-16
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
Source: Greek wire, 10-Feb-16
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
Source: WDBJ7, 10-Feb-16
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 »
Source: Schiebel, 09-Feb-16
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 »
Source: Carnegie Mellon University, 27-Jan-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 25-Jan-16
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 »
Source: US DoD, 24-Jan-16
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
Source: PC World, 22-Jan-16
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
Source: The Hill, 18-Jan-16
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 »
Source: Riegl, 15-Jan-16
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 »
Source: Saab, 14-Jan-16
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 »
Source: AHS, 13-Jan-16
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 »
Source: US DoD, 07-Jan-16
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.
Source: UAS Magazine, 07-Jan-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 07-Jan-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 06-Jan-16
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 »
Source: Cybaero, 05-Jan-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 05-Jan-16
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 »
Source: CybAero, 04-Jan-16
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 »
Source: FAA, 18-Dec-15
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 »
Source: CybAero, 16-Dec-15
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 »
Source: FAA, 15-Dec-15
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 »
Source: Roke, 09-Dec-15
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 »
Source: Lockheed Martin, 07-Dec-15
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 »
Source: FAA, 03-Dec-15
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 »
Source: Northrop Grumman, 02-Dec-15
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 »
Source: Helirussia, 26-Nov-15
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 »
Source: US DoD, 16-Nov-15
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 »
Source: FAA, 16-Nov-15
Smuggling contraband into prison via the body or a “friendly” guard may not be a thing of the past. See Full Story
Source: R&D Magazine, 09-Nov-15
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 »
Source: Devon & Cornwall Police,, 05-Nov-15
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 »
Source: HAI, 04-Nov-15
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 »
Source: FAA, 04-Nov-15
The Army’s signature rotorcraft, equipped with new hardware and software, shows off a new self-piloting capability and robotic teaming. See Full Story
Source: Defense One, 30-Oct-15
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 »
Source: FAA, 29-Oct-15
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 »
Source: Schiebel, 28-Oct-15
The case against a Kentucky man who was arrested after shooting down his neighbor’s drone was dismissed on Monday. See Full Story
Source: NBC News, 28-Oct-15
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
Source: REUTERS, 28-Oct-15
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
Source: CPH post, 27-Oct-15
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
Source: Robotics Tomorrow, 15-Oct-15
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 »
Source: Kaman, 14-Oct-15
One of the most compelling talking points at this year’s Helitech International is the “manned versus unmanned” debate. Is the growing popularity of UAVs impacting the traditional helicopter market? The short answer is “no” but that does not mean traditional helicopter manufacturers should be resting on their laurels. In a fascinating session within the Helitech… Read more »
Source: Helitech, 09-Oct-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has entered into a Pathfinder agreement with CACI International Inc. to evaluate how the company’s technology can help detect Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the vicinity of airports. In testimony today before the House Aviation Subcommittee, FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker said that flying an unmanned aircraft near a busy… Read more »
Source: FAA, 08-Oct-15
The Days of Innovations of the Southern, Western and Central military districts are scheduled for October 5-6 in the southwest city of Rostov-on-Don, Kubinka in Moscow Region, and Yekaterinburg respectively. See Full Story
Source: Sputnik News, 06-Oct-15
Denver International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are partnering to raise awareness about safe unmanned aircraft operations. The agencies teamed up on a Public Service Announcement that will run on the video towers in the airport’s main terminal. The PSA uses the “No Drone Zone” slogan to drive home the point that flying… Read more »
Source: FAA, 01-Oct-15
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV/UAS) may be known by a number of names, to include model aircraft, drones, or remote-piloted aircraft (RPA). UAV/UAS operators include aviation hobbyists, as well as commercial operators who wish to use new and emerging technology in more creative ways to satisfy consumer demand. In the United States, and on an international… Read more »
Source: AAMS, 30-Sep-15
After last year’s presentation of the RiCOPTER, the first fully integrated UAV-based LiDAR surveying solution from one manufacturer, we today proudly showcased our latest development in UAS-based laser scanning: the RIEGL BathyCopter. The BathyCopter is the world’s first Small-UAV-based surveying system capable of measuring through the water surface, ideally suited for generating profiles of rivers… Read more »
Source: Riegl, 27-Sep-15
Following an explosive summer in which drones repeatedly got in the way of pilots fighting wildfires and nearly slammed into a medical helicopter, a bill taking aim at them soared through Sacramento late Friday on the final, marathon day of the 2015 legislative session. See Full Story
Source: The Press Enterprise, 17-Sep-15
Police in Cumbria will now be able to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to help tackle crime and keep people safe. Earlier this year, staff from the Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit purchased two UAVs in order to assess the benefits of using them as an operational resource. Rigorous testing has taken place and they have… Read more »
Source: Cumbria Police, 16-Sep-15
AgustaWestland announced today that it has completed the UK Ministry of Defence’s Rotary Wing Unmanned Aerial System (RWUAS) Capability Concept Demonstration (CCD) contract it was awarded in 2013, including 27 hours of demonstration flying and 22 automatic simulated deck landings using its SW-4 RUAS Solo technology demonstrator. The flying element of the contract was carried… Read more »
Source: AgustaWestland, 16-Sep-15
Starting from September 2, Posti will carry out a four-day experiment to test the technology of the future in e-commerce logistics and mail delivery. In the experiment, Posti will be testing a robotic helicopter (drone, unmanned aerial vehicle) in delivery and transport tasks for the first time in Finland, and for the first time in… Read more »
Source: Posti, 04-Sep-15
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated endurance capabilities with the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. On a planned 10+ hour flight and range out to 150 nautical miles flight from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu; the MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved 11 hours with over an hour of fuel in… Read more »
Source: Northrop Grumman, 27-Aug-15
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a new list of pilot, air traffic and citizen reports of possible encounters with unmanned aircraft (UAS). The reports cover November 13, 2014 through August 20, 2015. Because pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, the FAA wants to send a clear message that operating drones… Read more »
Source: FAA, 24-Aug-15
Pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, from a total of 238 sightings in all of 2014, to more than 650 by August 9 of this year. The FAA wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Unauthorized operators may… Read more »
Source: FAA, 14-Aug-15
Washington State University is partnering with Digital Harvest Corp. to test an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that could provide a safer, less expensive means to blow rainwater off cherry orchards to avoid fruit losses. Rain can cause splits in the skin of cherries and similar fruits, rendering them susceptible to premature decay and, thus, commercially… Read more »
Source: WSU, 14-Aug-15
The Kaman Corporation board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of 18 cents per common share. The dividend will be paid on October 6, 2015 to shareholders of record on September 15, 2015. About Kaman Corporation Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts… Read more »
Source: Kaman, 12-Aug-15
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Defense Solutions division has received a contract from a leading defense and aerospace contractor to supply its COTS-based rugged Ethernet Router technology for use on an unmanned helicopter. Under the agreement, Curtiss-Wright will provide the customer with its Parvus DuraMAR® 5915 router product which will provide IP… Read more »
Source: Curtiss-Wright, 06-Aug-15
In its continuing effort to safely expand and support commercial unmanned aircraft operations in U.S. airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration has now granted more than 1,000 Section 333 exemption approvals. As of today, the agency has issued 1,008 such exemptions. Companies and individuals from a broad spectrum of industries are taking advantage of the Section… Read more »
Source: FAA, 05-Aug-15
Swiss Post ensures reliable delivery irrespective of geographical circumstances. With the technological progress of the past 160 years, parcels can now be delivered even more quickly and reliably. We are already very flexible: we deliver consignments during off-peak times in the evening and on Saturdays. Thanks to parcel terminals, PickPost points and [email protected], we make… Read more »
Source: Swiss Post, 22-Jul-15
Several lawmakers are taking steps to stop drones from interfering in firefighting efforts after several incidents in California. See full story
Source: The Sun Wildfires, 22-Jul-15
New drone regulations come into effect on August 1, banning the small aircraft from flying over houses without the property owner’s consent. See full story
Source: 3news, 17-Jul-15
