The European Space Agency (ESA) is backing a German startup working to develop the world’s first vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) personal flight jet aircraft for consumers.
Category Archives: Aircraft Propulsion & Energy
Automated Charging Stations Enable Continuous UAS Deployment & Monitoring
Drones are already making headlines about how they can dramatically cut costs for one-off inspections. Replacing $2000/hr helicopter surveys, accessing hard to reach areas, inspecting hazardous locations or rapidly surveying large areas have all provided huge time and cost savings through the use of drones. However, the cost of deploying 100 drones each with a trained & certified operator is around a $10M/year excluding logistics costs.
Time Between Overhauling Main Topic at Xponential
The management of 3W International GmbH noted that in discussions with interested customers at the Xponential 2016 in New Orleans, one topic stood out: Time between overhauling (TBO). Aside from standard engines, the German engine manufacturer presented its complete drive concept to the North American specialist audience. Continue reading
Binocular Vision System for Autonomous UAV Refuelling
A binocular vision-based platform has simulated autonomous aerial refuelling (AAR) between two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real time, using a boom approach. The platform may be the first step toward a vision-based sensor and navigation system that could enable in-air refuelling of UAVs without pilot assistance. Continue reading
Russia Begins Flight Tests of Adcom United 40
The Russian Defense Ministry has commenced flight tests of the UAE-made United 40 military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a source familiar with the situation told RIA Novosti. Continue reading
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Powers ScanEagle
Ballard Power Systems has announced that the company’s subsidiary, Protonex, has delivered prototype PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell propulsion modules to Insitu for use in its ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle. Continue reading
3W International Introduces Complete Propulsion Systems at Xponential 2016
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German engine manufacturer 3W International will introduce its design for complete propulsion systems for the first time at the leading trade show in New Orleans. Moreover options will be introduced concerning special mounting plates for mounting different engines on the same engine chassis or the identical firewall. Continue reading
Paperlike Battery Electrode Developed by a Kansas State University Engineer
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A paperlike battery electrode developed by a Kansas State University engineer may improve tools for space exploration or unmanned aerial vehicles. Continue reading