C-UAS
Just days after satellite images showed Russian bombers covered in rows of car tyres, a photo has emerged online of a Su-34 fighter-bomber getting the same treatment. The theories surrounding this apparent defensive strategy are abundant, especially as it seemingly spreads to more aircraft across the Russian Air Force. The
News
Airobotics Inc. was granted an Airworthiness Type Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Optimus-1EX. The FAA's Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Mr. David Boulter has announced the grant of the Type Certificate during Commercial UAV Expo held in Las Vegas. Airobotics Optimus-1EX is the second
News
An unmanned cargo aircraft has made a first landing aboard the UK Royal Navy’s (RN’s) aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, as the service eyes the future operational use of such equipment. The W Autonomous Systems (WAS) drone flew from the Lizard Peninsula and on to the deck
Propulsion
DARPA is entering the first phase of the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program, aimed at revolutionizing energy distribution through airborne wireless power transfer. Three teams -- led by RTX Corporation, Draper Laboratory, and BEAM Co. -- will design and develop wireless optical power relays. The program goals include
BVLOS
The FAA authorized two more companies to operate drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). UPS Flight Forward with its Matternet M2 can conduct small package delivery and uAvionix with its Rapace can use the Vantis Network to test its detect and avoid technology. On August 24 the agency authorized
Military
French drone manufacturer Delair sent Ukraine over 150 drones financed by France’s government, Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported on Sept. 6. Ukraine selected the drones itself, Lecornu said, without specifying the model. Delair, one of the world’s leading drone producers headquartered in Toulouse, France, offers fixed-wing unmanned aerial
Weapons Systems
Insitu, A Boeing Company, announced a munitions program for its Integrator UAS, which adds a highly sought-after strike capability to the platform’s unmatched payload portfolio and class-leading 24-hour flight endurance. Insitu collaborated with multiple weapons developers and U.S. Government agencies to enable the Integrator to deliver miniature, precision
Military
The Polish government hasrolled out a new armed, unmanned aerial vehicle concept aimed at countering smaller drones, known as the HAASTA, to kick off the annual MSPO defense trade show. In the announcement, the government stated the design draws on “insights gained from recent years of combat operations” — a not-so-veiled
Research
MIT researchers have created a new algorithm to enable more complex maneuvering capabilities in tailsitter drones. The novel design could have potential applications in search-and-rescue missions, as well as for deliveries in remote or difficult-to-access locations. With this new approach, a tailsitter aircraft, ideal for search-and-rescue missions, can plan and
Military
Morocco has begun talks with the Turkish company Baykar to acquire the Akinci combat drone . This unmanned aircraft entered service in 2021 and is considered the 'jewel' of the Turkish military arsenal. Due to its capabilities, other countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have already acquired several
AI
Ukrainian-produced SAKER SCOUT drones equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology and advanced optics promise to enhance the effectiveness of Ukrainian troops by detecting enemy targets often missed by the human eye, even when hidden under camouflage. The Ministry of Defense has officially greenlit the deployment of the advanced, home-grown drone
Weapons Systems
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has demonstrated its Australian made directed energy and kinetic counter-drone capabilities in a field environment, in front of an international audience. This demonstration is a watershed moment for EOS and for directed energy technology in Australia, evidenced by the presence of potential export customers from Europe,