Airbus Helicopters is set to conduct the first fully unmanned flight demonstration of its Optionally Piloted Vehicle (OPV) by the end of June, Jane’s has learned. Continue reading
Category Archives: OPA
UAVOS and JetLease to Convert Pipistrel Sinus into OPA
The world’s largest private leasing company, JetLease, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UAVOS Inc, the Mountain View, Ca.-based company specialised in the design, development and manufacturing of unmanned vehicles and autopilot systems, to provide a range of finance and leasing options for the innovative optionally manned fixed wing aircraft Albatross-2.2. Continue reading
Leonardo Solo Optionally Piloted Helicopter Performs First Unmanned Flight
Leonardo announced that the SW-4 Solo optionally piloted helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight with no safety pilot onboard at Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (Southern Italy). The aircraft flew for 45 minutes and all systems performed as expected with excellent controllability and handling qualities. Continue reading
Leonardo Studies Second-Generation Rotary-Wing UAV
Leonardo’s new SW-4 Solo would be an optionally manned derivative of this SW-4 light turbine helicopter,
Leonardo is studying concepts for a second-generation rotary-wing unmanned air vehicle for use in both land and maritime environments. The European manufacturer is building on its experience with its AWHero 150-kg (330-lb.) light rotary-wing UAV and the SW-4 Solo, an optionally manned derivative of the SW-4 light turbine helicopter built in Poland. Continue reading
UAVOS Converts Pipistrel Sinus into UAV
UAVOS Inc, a Mountain View-based company specialized in unmanned solutions, has created an unmanned aerial complex based on a Sinus light aircraft manufactured on a large-scale by Pipistrel.
Aurora’s OPA UH-1H Gets FAA Airworthiness Certificate
Aurora Flight Sciences announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate to Aurora’s newest optionally-piloted aircraft, a UH-1H helicopter. The latest development in the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS) program, Aurora has added a complete digital flight control system to create the “Autonomy-enabled UH-1,” or AEH-1. Continue reading
Aurora Honoured for Innovation in Switzerland
At a ceremony in New York City, Aurora Flight Sciences was awarded with a 2017 Tell Award, which honours U.S. companies that have made significant and innovative investments in Switzerland. Sponsored annually by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), the Tell Awards were established in 2004 to “recognize companies that boldly accept the risks and rewards that come with international expansion and demonstrate success with operations in Switzerland.” Continue reading
Northrop Firebird Tests UAV Collision Avoidance System
Northrop Grumman’s Firebird optionally manned demonstrator has completed an early shakedown of the anti-collision system intended to make the skies safe for unmanned and manned aircraft.