Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.
Safety
AIN Team Wins at Paris's Aerospace Media Awards
AIN Media Group earned top honors at the Aerospace Media Awards during the Paris Airshow.
Engines
General Atomics Gray Eagle Flies with New Powerplant
The HFE 2.0 engine provides the MQ-1C with more power for both improved performance as well as better reliability.
FBOs
Abu Dhabi’s Serenity Aviation To Scope Global Opportunities
The firm is now engaged in acquiring six companies and forming joint ventures with four more.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Operators Need To Be Up to Speed on European Inspection Rules
The NBAA recently participated in a forum on ramp inspections that addressed the latest changes to Europe's Safety Assessments of Foreign Aircraft process.
ATC
ERAU Students Test Reliable Robotics’ Remote-pilot Tech
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, tested Reliable Robotics’ communication system for remotely piloted aircraft.
Regulations and Government
FAA To Designate Areas for Non-ID UAS Ops
The FAA has released a draft environmental assessment for areas where UAS can be flown without remote identification equipment.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Summit Aviation Breaks Ground on Yellowstone Facility
Summit Aviation will soon begin construction on its complex at Montana's Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
Environment
FAA Invests $19M in Aviation Noise Research
The FAA has awarded $19 million in research grants to 14 universities in an effort to reduce noise pollution associated with aviation.
Aircraft
Airbus Demonstrates Autonomous Refueling Technology
Airbus's Auto’Mate technology successfully guided a series of drones to a pre-contact refueling position behind a tanker.
Regulations and Government
NBAA Roundtable Advocates for AAM in FAA Reauthorization
NBAA's Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable marks legislative progress and continuing goals for 2023.
Accidents
Bell APT Autonomous Cargo Drone Crashes in Texas
A Bell APT 70 UAV cargo drone being developed for civil and military missions crashed during flight testing last week in Texas.
Aircraft
Turkey Unveils Stealth Fighter and Combat UAV
Despite the setbacks imposed by the tragic earthquakes that hit Turkey in February, TAI lifted the veil on the country’s fifth-generation fighter program.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Phenix Taps Rolls-Royce, SEI for Ultra 2XL Drones
Phenix Solutions' Ultra 2XL heavy-lift cargo drone will have a Rolls-Royce RR300 engine and firefighting capabilities.
Maintenance and Modifications
Phenix Will Equip Ultra 2XL Drone with Multi-use Cargo Hook
Onboard Systems is helping Phenix Solutions design and certify the equipment for the Ultra 2XL unmanned aircraft system.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Air Force Is First U.S. Customer for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian
General Atomics' MQ-9B drones will help the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command develop a beyond-the-horizon power projection capability.
Aircraft
Kaman, PHI Partner on Kargo UAV Commercial Operations
The turbine-powered Kargo UAV can carry more than 80 pounds up to 500 miles.
Rotorcraft
Airbus and International SOS Seek Emergency Medical Progress
The companies' joint LifeSaver program is exploring how response times could be improved for better healthcare outcomes in countries such as Estonia.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
STOL Predator/Sky Guardian Variant Attracts Emirati Interest
The UAE had tried to order Predators earlier, but that deal ended over security concerns that scuppered the country's F-35 purchase.
Aircraft
UAE Backs Plans for Speeder Family of Air Utility VTOLs
In addition to the first P2 model, Mayman Aerospace is working on new Speeder models including the Micro, Cargo and Endurance Class aircraft.
Regulations and Government
Rulemaking Begins for UAS Wireless Communications
The FCC is seeking comments on a rule that would enable wireless communications spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Universal Adds Sites to Customs Reimbursement Program
Over the past year, Universal Weather and Aviation has added 42 U.S. locations to its Customs Reimbursable Services Program.
Regulations and Government
FCC Proposes Radio Licenses for UAS Operators
FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on mandatory radio licenses and potential spectrum interference for UAS operations.
Engines
Hermeus Selects P&W F100 for Hypersonic Darkhorse
Hermeus plans engine testing in 2024 for its Mach 5 Darkhorse uncrewed aerial system.
Aircraft
German Team Performs Remote Carrier Air Launch Test
The launch was the first inflight test of remote carrier technology destined for the Future Combat Air System.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Bell Brings Autonomous Cargo UAV To Air Medical Show
Bell pursues the medical market for its Autonomous Pod Transport cargo drone.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Poland To Lease Reapers Ahead of Planned MQ-9B Buy
MQ-9A Reapers are being leased from General Atomics to fill a capability gap ahead of Poland’s planned acquisition of RPAs under the Zefir project.
Aircraft
Textron Powers Up Advanced Air Mobility Portfolio
Textron Aviation is building a strong portfolio of new electric and autonomous aircraft, including the redesigned Nexus eVTOL model.
Aircraft
What It’s Like to Fly on Xwing’s Experimental Self-flying Cessna Airplane
What It’s Like to Fly on Xwing’s Experimental Self-flying Cessna Airplane
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Kittyhawk Plans To Wind Down Business
eVTOL startup Kittyhawk has announced that it has “made the decision to wind down” and that it is “still working on what’s next.”
ATC
UAS Manufacturers Get Reprieve for Remote ID
The FAA has delayed requirements for unmanned aircraft systems to have remote ID systems to Dec 16, 2022.
