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.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Phenix Flight Testing Coaxial eVTOL Drone
Phenix Solutions is flight testing a single-engine coaxial remotely piloted aircraft under the U.S. Air Force Agility Prime program.
Training and Workforce
Blue Force Contracted for Unmanned Adversary Development
The U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps are looking for cheaper ways of providing adversary training, with autonomous air vehicles to the fore.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Saudi Arabia’s Intra Pushes Ahead with Drone Programs
Intra is leading the drive for greater Saudi self-sufficiency in the unmanned air vehicle sector through two major programs.
ATC
HAI Pans FAA Report on BVLOS Uncrewed Aircraft Ops
HAI is opposing recommendations in an FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee final report on uncrewed aircraft systems operating beyond the line of sight.
Rotorcraft
Airbus's Optionally-Piloted Helicopter Goes to Sea
The VSR700 demonstrator has undertaken the first at-sea trials of its autonomous take-off and landing capabilities as part of a French navy/DGA program.
Regulations and Government
DOT IG Critical of FAA's Counter-UAS Measure Oversight
The U.S. DOT’s inspector general office found that the FAA is lacking resources in its oversight of counter-UAS measures.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
First Surveillance Reapers Handed Over to the Netherlands
Following delivery, the unmanned aerial vehicles will be tested in the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean Sea.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
General Atomics Unveils Carrier-capable MQ-9B UAV
Equipped with a STOL wing kit, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian will be capable of operating from assault carriers and regular aircraft carriers.
Training and Workforce
FlightSafety To Train Cargo Drone Pilots
Bulgarian unmanned cargo airline Dronamics has engaged FlightSafety to ensure its pilots have the right training to maximize operational safety.
Charter & Fractional
Embraer: Long-term eVTOL Biz Case Hinges on Autonomy
The long-term viability of the eVTOL market will depend on the ability to adapt and certify the segment’s vehicles for autonomous flight.
Aircraft
British HAPS Projects Aim for the Solar Heights
The Airbus Zephyr and the BAE Systems PHASA-35 offer new airborne communications and observation options.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UK Cancels Mosquito Loyal Wingman Demonstrator Program
The Mosquito uncrewed technology demonstrator will not be built as the money can be better spent elsewhere, says the UK defense ministry.
Aircraft
Super Hornet Demonstrates Multi-Vehicle Manned-unmanned Teaming Operations
Controlling unmanned adjuncts from manned fighters accounts for one of the main areas of airpower development.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Israel's Blaze Unveils Spider VTOL UAV
The Blaze UAV's small size and adaptability allow individuals to deploy it for tactical, covert, or extended-range real-time intelligence.
Aircraft
Inmarsat Demonstrates Sector-spanning Satcom Links
Satellite network operator Inmarsat brings to Farnborough the latest future-proofed connectivity products for diverse aerospace sectors.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
U.S. Marine Corps Begins Major MQ-9A UAS Procurement
The remotely piloted aircraft will be used to stand up an MQ-9A(ER) squadron in Hawaii to support U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
Aircraft
Raytheon Subsidiaries Update Market on Pending Innovation
Raytheon is preparing for what forecasters say will be an exponential increase in travel in the next five to 10 years.
Aircraft
Airbus Launches Connectivity Unit With Solar-powered Zephyr
Airbus says it can affordably expand telecommunications services with its Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station that can fly at 70,000 feet.
Engines
PBS Unveils Turbine Engine for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Engineering company updates original engine; new engine breaks record for thrust-to-weight ratio
Accidents
NTSB Redefines UAS Criteria for Accident Investigation
The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a final rule amending its Part 830 definition of “unmanned aircraft accident.”
Avionics
FAA Provides MOC for UAS Remote ID Mandate
The FAA has published a means of compliance for UAS manufacturers to meet the requirements for providing remote identification capability.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Bell Brings Autonomous Cargo UAV To Air Medical Show
Bell pursues the medical market for its Autonomous Pod Transport cargo drone.
Regulations and Government
Aurora Flies Unmanned Centaur at New York Test Site
Aurora Flies Unmanned Centaur at New York Test Site
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Schiebel’s S-100 Camcopter is a Multi-Role Helicopter UAV Platform
Schiebel’s S-100 Camcopter is a Multi-Role Helicopter UAV Platform
ATC
How Boeing Envisions the Future of Transportation
How Boeing Envisions the Future of Transportation
