Weapons Systems / Lasers
Raytheon UK is set to receive its first high-energy laser weapon system to be tested and integrated in the United Kingdom, marking a significant advancement in the understanding of how such systems can be fielded. Raytheon UK is the British unit of RTX’s Raytheon business. Designed to stop
VTOL
After more than a year of anticipation, Leonardo and the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) unveiled a mature concept of the technology demonstrator, known as project 'Proteus' by the British Armed Forces, at DSEI London 2023. As part of phase 3a of the RWUAS CCD Phase 3 TDP,
BVLOS
Kongsberg Geospatial and uAvionix, providers of software services for UAS Command and Control (C2) and Uncrewed Air Traffic Management (UTM) systems respectively, announced the planned availability of uAvionix’s validated FlightLine ADS-B data from cooperative aircraft as an optional sensor feed for Kongsberg Geospatial IRIS Terminal users. The collaboration
Propulsion
UK company MARSS has developed a man-portable version of its vertically launched, reusable kinetic counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS). Combining innovations of its larger sibling, with a smaller size and lighter weight, the Interceptor-SR (Short Range) marks a step-change in vehicle and personnel drone protection. MARSS’
Transport
The FAA authorized Zipline International, Inc., to deliver commercial packages around Salt Lake City and Bentonville, Arkansas, using drones that fly beyond the operator’s visual line of sight. Read the approval letters here and here. Zipline is an FAA-certificated Part 135 operator and will use its Sparrow drone
Commercial
Miami-based aerial advertising company Sustainable Skylines recently announced it has obtained FAA permission to launch a commercial banner-towing operation. But rather than airplanes, remotely piloted drones will tow the banners. The approval, an exemption to section 44807 of the FAA’s Part 107 small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS)
The 2024 edition of the Guinness World Records book recognizes NOAAoffsite link and industry partners with two world records: 1) wind speed recorded by an uncrewed surface vehicle; and 2) endurance inside a tropical cyclone. Catching the Wind Guinness World Records recognizes NOAA and Saildrone Inc. for using a specially-
Accidents
A military drone crashed during a test flight on Monday in the northern city of Gorgan, resulting in injuries to two civilians, as reported by the deputy governor of Golestan Province. Debris fell in different parts of the northern city of Gorgon, according to the official IRNA news agency. The
Weapons Systems / Lasers
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it was awarded a $95 million contract to supply SkyStriker loitering munitions (LM) to a European country. The contract will be carried out over a period of two years. As part of the contract Elbit Systems will provide several hundred SkyStriker units. Elbit Systems&
VTOL
Alpha Unmanned Systems , a manufacturer of unmanned helicopters based in Madrid, has successfully completed the integration of its UAVs in the Combat Systems of the Navy's BAM "Furor (P-46)". The announcement of this integration is part of the continued collaboration of AUS with the Spanish
Business
Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government and commercial operations, has announced a development partnership with aerospace engineering firm ESAero. ESAero will assist with fast-tracked, customer-specific projects, allowing Red Cat to remain focused on its core hardware and software
Business
Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd, a UK based provider of sustainable aircraft technology, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate and explore the potential of Airlander – an ultra-low emissions large aircraft - in security and defence applications, with BAE Systems’ FalconWorks advanced research & technology centre for the Air