The North American Wave Engine Corporation, a developer of affordable next-gen propulsion technology and aerial systems, has demonstrated complete flight capability on a UAV using a jet engine that requires no moving parts. A demonstration flight included self-powered take-off, climb-cruise and landing. Continue reading
Category Archives: Applications & Testing & Experience
Hien Aero Technologies Conducts Asia’s First Gas Turbine eVTOL Levitation Test
On March 1, 2024, Japan’s Hien Aero Technologies made headlines by successfully conducting Asia’s first levitation test for a large, unmanned electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft powered by a gas turbine. This landmark event marks a significant step forward in the development of hybrid eVTOLs, showcasing the potential for longer flight ranges and higher operational efficiency compared to their electric counterparts. Continue reading
US Air Force Successfully Tests New Agile Aircraft Power Lightcart
The Department of the Air Force, or DAF, completed testing of the 400 Hz Aircraft Power Lightcart, or 400 APL in January 2024. The tests, which were conducted with the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, saw the prototype successfully power an MQ-9, or Predator, through a series of technical orders. Continue reading
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. Makes First Flight of XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. flew the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) for the first time on Feb. 28, 2024. OBSS is an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program and GA-ASI was selected in 2021 to design, build and fly the new aircraft. Continue reading
GA-ASI Demonstrates A2E Concept with AFSOC
During a series of demonstrations in December 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) worked collaboratively to execute several capability demonstrations as part of the Adaptive Airborne Enterprise (A2E) concept development. Continue reading
Windracers and British Antarctic Survey to Test ULTRA UAV in Antarctica
A team has arrived at Rothera Research Station, ready to start testing the new Windracers ULTRA autonomous drone in Antarctica. If successful, the new drone platform could represent a major addition to British Antarctic Survey’s scientific capability on the frozen continent – offering the potential to do more science at a lower cost, with a lower carbon footprint than traditional crewed aviation. Continue reading
TEKEVER Drone Successfully Demonstrates Lifeboat Deployment in Italian Coast Guard SAR Exercise
TEKEVER recently achieved a milestone in maritime safety through the successful deployment of a lifeboat from its AR5 drone. The groundbreaking technology was demonstrated during a search and rescue exercise conducted by the Italian Coast Guard in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). Continue reading
BAE Systems Successfully Tests C-UAS Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle During Live Fire Demonstration
BAE Systems successfully tested its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) prototype during a recent live fire demonstration. As part of a collaborative effort with Moog, these positive results exemplify opportunities for future capability growth within the purpose-built modular framework of the AMPV platform. Continue reading