Technology
GKN Aerospace Unveils UAV Demonstrator within a Year
Brings together propulsion, aerostructures and systems integration expertise from Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK
Propulsion
Propulsion
Swiss Researchers Invent Sound Powered Micro-Drones
EPFL engineers have designed acoustic cavities that convert sound waves into thrust, propelling small robots and ultralight aerial vehicles without on-board actuators or electronics.
Propulsion
UK Startup Stores Power in Drone Frames
Instead of carrying battery packs as separate components, the system stores electrical energy directly inside the airframe’s crossbeams.
Propulsion
ePropelled Gets $60M US Government Funding to Strengthen Drone Propulsion Supply Chain
The expanded facility will increase ePropelled's propulsion system production capacity by more than 4X, enabling the company to meet rapidly growing demand from U.S. government programs, allied partners, and commercial drone manufacturers seeking secure, American-made propulsion solutions.
Propulsion
Wireless Power Beaming for Perched Drones
This project brings together Reach’s wireless power-beaming expertise with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln NIMBUS Lab research capabilities in autonomous systems, communications, and field robotics.
Propulsion
Embry‑Riddle Students Take on Hydrogen-Powered Drone Tech with Honeywell Aerospace
“The students went above and beyond in response to a difficult, but real-world example of system integration and cross-team collaboration”
Propulsion
High-Powered Lasers can Wirelessly Charge Drones Mid-Flight
Researchers at the Civil Aviation University of China and Tsinghua University built a receiver that converts green laser light into electricity at 38.49 percent efficiency, enough to spin a drone propeller on a lab bench with nothing but a beam.
Propulsion
New Heavy-Lift Hydrogen Powertrain for UAVs
Announcements align with the UK’s Defence Investment Plan commitment to advanced unmanned systems and a stronger UK drone industry
Interceptor
CobraJet - VTOL Multirole Jet for C-UAS with Low-Cost Interceptors
“It’s a fighter drone and interceptor that can be armed with air-to-air non-lethal or lethal munitions.
Testing
US Naval Research Laboratory Demonstrates Dual-Use Laser System for Power Beaming and Counter-UAS Operations
U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) scientists successfully demonstrated a dual-use laser system capable of wirelessly transmitting power over long distances and rapidly transitioning to perform defensive missions, advancing expeditionary energy and defense capabilities for future warfighters.
Propulsion
South Korea Launches UAV Engine Development Program
South Korea is preparing to take a key step toward propulsion self-reliance, as Hanwha Aerospace begins ground testing of a homegrown engine for Korean Air’s Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System (LOWUS) stealth drone
Propulsion
China’s 800-Cycle Lithium-Sulfur Battery Could Double Drone Flight Time
A research team led by Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School said it created a new molecular strategy that improves reaction efficiency inside lithium-sulfur batteries while reducing energy loss during operation.