Business
Aerodyne Group, a DT3 (Drone Tech, Data Tech, and Digital Transformation) drone-based enterprise solutions provider and Kiwitech have signed an Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on transforming cities through Smart Surveillance. This strategic partnership was driven by the need to leverage on Aerodyne’s capability in aerial intelligence, and Kiwitech’
Military
Orbital Corporation Ltd announced that it has signed a new engine development and supply agreement with Textron subsidiary, Lycoming Engines. The new agreement includes a 12-month engine development program, which will enable the integration of an Orbital UAV-designed core engine, including proprietary fuel and engine control systems, into Textron Systems’
Business
Kongsberg Geospatial, developer of the TerraLens Geospatial SDK, announced that it has partnered with Sentient Vision Systems to enable real-time analysis of sensor video data from drone-based sensors, using Sentient’s Kestrel, an AI–enabled computer vision system that provides automated object detection. Kongsberg MIDAS (Modular ISR Data Analysis and
Business
Elistair, a supplier of tethered drones, has raised €5M from Omnes and Starquest Capital, its historic investor. This Series B round follows an initial €2M funding round in 2018. Since its creation in 2014, Elistair’s solutions have already been deployed by military forces and national security agencies in over
C-UAS
Citadel Defense has received a follow-on urgent contract award from the U.S. Department of Defense to protect servicemen and servicewomen from small drone threats. Christopher Williams, CEO of Citadel Defense, says, “Our team is honored to support the military’s efforts by delivering operator-centric and mission-proven CUAS solutions to
Business
Nordic Unmanned has teamed up with Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. company, to enter the fixed wing segment of the European drone market. The first commercial opportunity for the team is already targeted, as Nordic Unmanned is competing for a contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) with
Business
Textron is formalizing its presence in the electric aircraft market with the formation of a new division called eAviation. The company confirmed that long-time senior executive Rob Scholl has been named to head the unit in a senior v-p role that reports directly to Textron chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly.
Business
Skycatch has announced a $25 million raise, led by ADB Ventures and Wavemaker. Founded in 2013, the Bay Area-based company provides centimeter-accurate 3D scanning services, primarily for construction sites and mining operations. The service has already been rolled out in a number of different locations around the world -- with
BVLOS
Latvian national airline airBaltic and LMT have signed an agreement for collaboration within the drone industry. The agreement foresees a joined development of various drone solutions overseen by general aviation and the development of LMT’s learning program for drone pilots. Both companies will also collaborate on testing the mobile
Military
AeroVironment, Inc. announced that the United States Army exercised the second of three options under the sole source Flight Control Systems (FCS) domain of the Army’s multi-year small UAS contract on February 25, 2021. The value of the contract option is $20,979,905 and includes avionics and data
UAM/UTM
Urban air mobility (UAM) company Volocopter announced the signing of its Series D funding round, raising €200 million in additional capital. Cumulatively, Volocopter has raised €322 million. The funding will be used to solidify Volocopter’s leading position in the UAM market by bringing the VoloCity, the battery-powered air taxi
C-UAS
Toshiba Corporation announced that Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation, the Toshiba Group company specializing in the global infrastructure business (hereinafter Toshiba), has entered into a strategic business alliance with Fortem Technologies, Inc. (hereafter Fortem), and invested 15 million USD in the company. Fortem is a supplier of counter-drone security