9-Oct-2015Source: Helitech
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
8-Oct-2015Source: FAA
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
6-Oct-2015Source: Sputnik News
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... Read more
1-Oct-2015Source: FAA
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
30-Sep-2015Source: AAMS
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
27-Sep-2015Source: Riegl
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
17-Sep-2015Source: The Press Enterprise
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... Read more
16-Sep-2015Source: Cumbria Police
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
16-Sep-2015Source: AgustaWestland
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
4-Sep-2015Source: Posti
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
27-Aug-2015Source: Northrop Grumman
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
24-Aug-2015Source: FAA
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
14-Aug-2015Source: FAA
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
14-Aug-2015Source: WSU
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
12-Aug-2015Source: Kaman
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
6-Aug-2015Source: Curtiss-Wright
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
5-Aug-2015Source: FAA
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
22-Jul-2015Source: Swiss Post
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 Pick@Home, we make... Read more
22-Jul-2015Source: The Sun Wildfires
Several lawmakers are taking steps to stop drones from interfering in firefighting efforts after several incidents in California. See full story... Read more
17-Jul-2015Source: 3news
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... Read more
16-Jul-2015Source: Siliconrepublic
The company launched its range of drones from Mount Lucas Wind Farm in Co Offaly and, with its R-350 helicopter-like drone, Green Aviation hopes to scale back the data collection and monitoring currently done by piloted helicopters. See full story... Read more
14-Jul-2015Source: AHS
AHS International, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) are co-sponsoring an exciting workshop on Transformative Vertical Flight Concepts at NASA Ames, in Mountain View, California on August 3rd and 4th. This two day workshop will give participants a chance to shape the transformative vertical flight... Read more
30-Jun-2015Source: FAA
As the July 4 holiday approaches, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding residents and visitors to Washington, D.C. that the city and surrounding communities are a “No Drone Zone.” The prohibition against flying any type of unmanned aircraft, or “drone,” without specific approval includes the District of Columbia and cities and towns within a... Read more
24-Jun-2015Source: Consumers Energy
Consumers Energy launched an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near a Jackson County electric substation Monday to help determine whether the emerging technology can improve how the company serves Michigan residents. “We are always looking for ways to innovate and provide Michigan with safe, affordable, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy,” said Mary Palkovich, Consumers Energy’s vice... Read more
23-Jun-2015Source: Feinstein
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today introduced the Consumer Drone Safety Act, which would protect the public and U.S. airspace by requiring safety features for consumer drones and strengthening the federal laws that govern their operation. Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) cosponsored the bill. Under current law, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not have the... Read more
19-Jun-2015Source: News
Future Royal Australian Navy vessels will almost certainly be equipped with both manned and remote unmanned choppers that will reduce risk and cost. See Full Story... Read more
18-Jun-2015Source: Schiebel
Schiebel and Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) subsidiary ELTA Systems Ltd., are preparing to demonstrate the ELK-7065 3D High Frequency (HF) Band COMINT interception and geo-location system installed on the Schiebel CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS (Unmanned Air System) during Q3 2015. The ELK-7065 3D HF COMINT provides quick labelling and identification of HF signals, creating a reliable... Read more
12-Jun-2015Source: Elbit
Elbit Systems introduces BrightNite a solution that enables utility helicopters to successfully perform Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) missions in more than 90% of night flying situations, providing them with piloting capabilities of attack helicopters and enabling a new level of operational flight. Lightweight, compact and cost-effective, BrightNite is a multi-spectral end to end panoramic piloting... Read more
8-Jun-2015Source: Kaman
Kaman have announced (their press release below) that the K-Max is to go back into production. This announcement has been expected for some time, perhaps a handful of years even, and has been waiting for a minimum number of orders to ensure the costs of ramping up the line again are justified. Between 1991 and... Read more
26-May-2015Source: dfwatch
Georgia has presented a new unmanned attack and reconnaissance helicopter produced by the state research and development center Delta. See Full Story... Read more
13-May-2015Source: Embry-Riddle
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the ASSURE Coalition have been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the nation’s new Center of Excellence in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). As a co-founder of ASSURE (Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence), Embry-Riddle will be the technical lead in UAS airport ground operations, UAS pilot... Read more
13-May-2015Source: Draganfly
It has become clear that small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) are proven vital public safety tools, but back in 2008 that vision wasn’t as clear. The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) was one of the first U.S. public safety agencies to formally start an sUAS program, work with the FAA to secure an operational COA,... Read more
11-May-2015Source: FAA
After a rigorous competition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected a Mississippi State University team as the FAA’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (COE UAS). The COE will focus on research, education and training in areas critical to safe and successful integration of UAS into the nation’s airspace.... Read more
11-May-2015Source: Trimble
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) announced today that it is partnering with leading unmanned aircraft system (UAS) manufacturer MULTIROTOR service-drone, GmbH. The collaboration will allow Trimble to expand its existing UAS portfolio to provide its customers with additional solutions to choose from based on their aerial imaging project needs. The announcement was made at AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems... Read more
11-May-2015Source: UAH
The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is part of a team selected to conduct research as part of the new FAA Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Center of Excellence. The FAA announced today that the Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE), of which UAH is a core member, will operate the... Read more
11-May-2015Source: Tech Times
Unmanned flight prepares to move deeper into the agriculture sector, now that federal regulators have approved Yamaha’s crop dusting drone. See Full Story... Read more
5-May-2015Source: FAA
FAA Administrator Michael Huerta will announce two new initiatives related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) tomorrow at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Unmanned Systems 2015conference in Atlanta, GA. The FAA is moving ahead with safe integration of UAS into the busiest, most complex airspace in the world. Even as the agency proceeds with rulemaking for small... Read more
30-Apr-2015Source: ARSA
On April 23, ARSA submitted comments to the FAA’s proposed rule regarding its control of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The association added its voice to the thousands who provided guidance to the agency in its pursuit of new regulations to oversee the use of the vehicles commonly referred to as “drones.” While its comments recognized the congressional imperative that the FAA... Read more
2-Apr-2015Source: HAI
HAI has been monitoring the growth and expanded utilization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). It is apparent that UAS use within low-level airspace that helicopters currently operate in will continue to grow, as will UAS use for missions normally performed by helicopters. With these thoughts in mind, and because of HAI’s desire to ensure the safe and efficient... Read more
1-Apr-2015Source: CybAero
First North-listed CybAero, which develops and manufactures remotely piloted helicopters with associated sensor systems, received its first call-off order for five systems from Chinese AVIC today. In July 2014, CybAero announced that it received an order with a guaranteed minimum value of SEK 700–800 million under an 8-year framework agreement with a company within the... Read more
1-Apr-2015Source: CybAero
First North-listed CybAero, which develops and manufactures remotely piloted helicopters with associated sensor systems, commenced factory testing with the client just over a week ago.The parties have agreed to extend the testing period to early May because the system integration has taken more time than planned, and this affects the testing process. “We commenced factory... Read more
25-Mar-2015Source: US Army
Manned-unmanned operations using helicopters linked with unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, have been used by the Army for a number of years. However, no single unit has ever actually been assigned to both assets until now, said Lt. Col. Tory Burgess, product manager for Shadow Tactical UAS. Burgess and others spoke during a media roundtable... Read more
24-Mar-2015Source: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration has established an interim policy to speed up airspace authorizations for certain commercial unmanned aircraft (UAS) operators who obtain Section 333 exemptions. The new policy helps bridge the gap between the past process, which evaluated every UAS operation individually, and future operations after we publish a final version of the proposed... Read more
12-Mar-2015Source: US DoD
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Hurst, Texas, is being awarded an $8,431,030 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-14-C-0022) to exercise an option for delivery of one Bell 407 Analog Helicopter, and preservation and storage of seven aircraft in support of the endurance upgrade of the MQ-8C Fire Scout. Work will be performed in Ozark,... Read more
9-Mar-2015Source: HeliHub.com
By Andrew Drwiega, Heli-Expo, Florida, USA Kaman Aerospace is nearing the threshold that would allow the company to reopen its K-Max K-1200 production line, says Terry Fogarty, general manager of Kaman’s UAS Group. “With deposits now over 75% of what we require we are now anticipating that this will go ahead.” Speaking at Heli-Expo to... Read more
24-Feb-2015Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $25,848,612 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for engineering sustainment and integrated logistics services in support of MQ-8 operational, vendor, maintenance-related and laboratory support software. Services to be provided include analysis of engineering change proposals, development of plans of action and milestones, laboratory facility studies and analysis,... Read more
16-Feb-2015Source: US PTO
From the full official documentation of US Patent 8944764 The invention claimed is:1. A main rotor arrangement for an UAV-helicopter, the main rotor arrangement comprising: a rotor mast defining a vertical axis of rotation, a hub for attachment of rotor blades, wherein the hub is mounted to the rotor mast in a tiltable way so... Read more
12-Feb-2015Source: ND Government
The Northern Plains (UAS) Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announces the approval to expand operations throughout the state of North Dakota. This authorization, granted under the FAA’s Certification of Authorization (COA) process, allows the industry more efficient access to airspace for collaborative research. The FAA was able... Read more
22-Jan-2015Source: AHS
MAV Student Teams! This is a reminder to submit your Team Information Form for the 3rd Annual AHS MAV Student Challenge by Friday, January 23. Finalists will be selected in the next three months to participate in the final fly off at the 71st Annual Forum in Virginia Beach, Virginia. A total of $10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.... Read more
15-Jan-2015Source: CNN
CNN will explore the use of drones for reporting, after receiving special permission from the U.S. government. See Full Story... Read more
8-Jan-2015Source: Grandforks Herald
The local Sheriff’s Department received approval from the Grand Forks County Commission to accept a donation of two unmanned aerial vehicles. See Full Story... Read more
5-Jan-2015Source: Northrop Grumman
The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully flew the MQ-8C Fire Scout system for the first time off the guided-missile destroyer, USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), Dec. 16, off the Virginia coast. After more than a year of land-based testing at Point Mugu, California, the MQ-8C Fire Scout grew its sea legs,... Read more
16-Dec-2014Source: Textron
AAI Logistics & Technical Services, AAI Test & Training and AAI Unmanned Systems have been part of the Textron Systems enterprise for years now. We’ve now rebranded to be one Textron Systems. You’ve known us for years – our expertise, products and services remain as trusted and capable as ever. Now, get to know us... Read more
11-Dec-2014Source: FAA
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today granted five regulatory exemptions for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations to four companies representing several industries that promise to benefit from UAS technology. The four companies that received exemptions want to fly UAS to perform operations for aerial surveying, construction site monitoring and oil rig flare... Read more
3-Dec-2014Source: CybAero
First North-listed CybAero has been selected by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to conduct test and demonstration flights from Sweden’s world-leading Visby class corvette in Q3, 2015. Sweden-based CybAero was chosen ahead of other international competitors. It is estimated that the flights, which will employ CybAero’s APID helicopter systems, are to be conducted by... Read more
28-Nov-2014Source: Techcrunch
It’s not big money yet, but drone technology has investors looking to the sky for pennies from heaven. See Full Story... Read more
28-Nov-2014Source: Sandiego6
The world of photography has never be the same since drones got into the hands of civilians. See Full Story... Read more
28-Nov-2014Source: Suas News
News about forthcoming rules from the Federal Aviation Administration for the operation of drones was met with mixed reaction by those experimenting with unmanned aerial vehicles. At least one person expressed concern that the rules may inhibit adoption by farmers, while others saw any potential movement by the FAA as a good sign that the... Read more
19-Nov-2014Source: Kaman
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, 2015 to shareholders of record on December 16, 2014. About Kaman Corporation Kaman Corporation, founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman, and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut conducts... Read more
4-Nov-2014Source: Kaman
Extracts from the full financial statements as follows Overview Neal J. Keating, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “While we faced several challenges during the third quarter we are pleased that Aerospace continued to deliver improved margin performance and Distribution achieved its fourth consecutive quarter of organic sales growth. In addition, we generated very... Read more
8-Oct-2014Source: Embry-Riddle
Enthusiasts of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) will have a chance to demonstrate their aircraft and skills during a Small UAS Challenge in Houston Nov. 1 and 2. Sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide, the competition is free and open to private, academic and commercial participants. This indoor challenge will feature an obstacle course (emphasizing... Read more
26-Sep-2014Source: FAA
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration has granted regulatory exemptions to six aerial photo and video production companies, the first step to allowing the film and television industry the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System. Secretary Foxx made the announcement on a conference call... Read more
24-Sep-2014Source: Helitech
Helitech have published a Q&A with speaker Jos Stevens, Senior Scientist, National Aerospace Laboratory ahead of the Business and Strategy Conference at Amsterdam on Tuesday 14th October 1. The agenda tells us that your presentation will address whether UAVs are a threat to the rotorcraft sector or an opportunity. As you only have a short... Read more
13-Aug-2014Source: Draganfly
On May 9th, 2013 at 00:20 hours the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) investigated a single roll-over accident in a rural area of Saskatchewan, Canada. Ground units and a manned helicopter searched for the seriously injured driver for two hours until the RCMP called in the Draganflyer X4-ES sUAS system equipped with a FLIR thermal... Read more
8-Aug-2014Source: WSET
The crew of Carilion Clinic Life-Guard says there is concern in the air medical service community regarding the use of unmanned aircraft, commonly called drones, over accident scenes. “See Full Story“... Read more
17-Jul-2014Source: Kaman
Kaman Corp. (NYSE:KAMN) announced today that it will report its second quarter 2014 results after the stock market closes on Monday, August 4, 2014, and host a live webcast and conference call at 8:30am ET on Tuesday, August 5, 2014. The call will be accessible by telephone within the U.S. at (877) 703-6103 and from... Read more
15-Jul-2014Source: AgustaWestland
AgustaWestland is pleased to announce the completion of a demonstration of its Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial System / Optionally Piloted Helicopter (RUAS/OPH) to the Italian Ministry of Defence. The trials were conducted to evaluate modern remote controlled rotorcraft technology and its potential to provide enhanced capabilities for the Italian armed forces in the future. Under the... Read more
11-Jul-2014Source: FAA
Recently, seven aerial photo and video production companies asked the FAA for regulatory exemptions that would allow the film and television industry to use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) with FAA approval for the first time. Because these requests may set a precedent for future commercial UAS exemptions, the agency is asking the public to weigh... Read more
10-Jul-2014Source: NY Times
Two men were arrested after a small drone flying near the George Washington Bridge came within 800 feet of a police helicopter, officials said on Tuesday. See full story File photo... Read more
3-Jul-2014Source: CybAero
First North-listed CybAero, which develops and sells unmanned helicopters, has received an order guarantee worth SEK 700-800 million through an eight-year framework agreement. The order has been placed by a company in the Chinese AVIC group, one of the world’s largest companies which develops and manufactures aircraft and various types of flying vehicles and has... Read more
2-Jul-2014Source: Washington Post
The FAA will miss Congress’ September 2015 deadline to allow drones to fly throughout US skies because of technical and regulatory obstacles that are unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, according to a government audit released Monday. See full story... Read more
30-Jun-2014Source: US DoD
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, California, is being awarded an $8,465,734 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-12-C-0126) for the extension of engineering and software sustainment services in support of the Vertical Take-off and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Fire Scout MQ-8B. Work will be performed in San Diego, California,... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: Georgia Tech
Beginning this summer, the Georgia Institute of Technology and CNN will embark on a joint research initiative to better understand the opportunities unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) present for media organizations, and to explore the access and safety issues that need to be addressed as part of any new regulatory framework. The project team will be... Read more
26-Jun-2014Source: Rockwell Collins
Rockwell Collins and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have scheduled risk reduction tests that will eventually enable unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to safely operate in the national airspace. “Routine integration of sizeable numbers of UAS into the national airspace system is a challenging task,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager of... Read more
25-Jun-2014Source: Curtiss-Wright
Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions won a contract to supply its COTS-based rugged Ethernet Router technology for use on an unmanned helicopter. Under the agreement, Curtiss-Wright will deploy its Parvus DuraMAR 5915 router product, which will enable IP data routing onboard the rotorcraft. The estimated lifetime value of the contract is about $9 million. Shipments began in... Read more
