Insitu Pacific and Boeing Australia’s Detect and Avoid (DAA) capability is now ready to field in real-world operations after test flights demonstrated enhanced detection ranges between an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and other airspace users. The technology is designed to advance the ability to safely integrate UAS into different classes of airspace. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
USAF Helps Metro Hop Test eSTOL Active Landing Gear
Metro Hop has the green light from the United States Air Force Agility Prime program to test its patent pending Active Landing Gear. This unique landing gear allows Metro Hop’s all-electric, short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft to fly up to 250 mph with substantial payloads, while operating nearly silently out of small spaces. Continue reading
Northrop Grumman Firebird OPA Shows Operational Flexibility
Northrop Grumman Corporation’s Firebird multi-sensor aircraft showcased the versatility of the optionally-manned autonomous system as it flew to various locations across the United States last month. Continue reading
China Tests Airborne Unmanned Swarm Carrier
A Chinese company recently conducted a test flight for its newly developed airborne swarm carrier, which is an unmanned aerial mother ship that can carry multiple smaller drones and release them in the air for missions like reconnaissance and attack. Continue reading
XQ-58A Valkyrie Payload Release Test Successful
The US Air Force Research Laboratory successfully completed the XQ-58A Valkyrie’s sixth flight test and first release from its internal weapons bay, March 26, 2021 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Continue reading
Wisk to Launch UAM Trials in New Zealand
Wisk, the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) company, is progressing with its Transport Trial, which will advance autonomous passenger transport under the New Zealand Government’s broader Airspace Integration Trial Programme (AITP). Wisk is working towards rolling out the implementation phase later this year. Continue reading
Skyfront Drone Sets Endurance Record of 13 hours, 4 minutes and Distance Record of 205 miles
Skyfront, a manufacturer of long endurance gasoline-electric hybrid drones, broke the multirotor drone flight time record by staying airborne for 13 hours and 4 minutes and traveling a distance of 205 miles. Continue reading
Gas Pipeline Inspections Simulated in Final NASA SIO Demonstration
Aerial inspections of gas and petroleum pipelines were simulated during NASA’s final Systems Integration and Operationalization (SIO) demonstration flight with partner American Aerospace Technologies Inc. (AATI) on Feb. 25, 2021. Continue reading