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’ Interceptor, launched 2022, is an
Propulsion
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 offerings, including
Propulsion
Honeywell announced that it has partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on a year-long collaboration to prototype and support the commercialization of a cartridge-based hydrogen fuel storage solution for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Honeywell will provide technological expertise,
Events
Amprius Technologies, Inc. , a supplier of next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, announced that its high-energy density cells have been integrated into a state-of-the-art battery packs produced by Tenergy, a pioneer in providing total power solutions for the rechargeable battery market. Unveiled to significant attendee interest last week
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
Propulsion
The US Air Force has picked aerospace startup JetZero to build a prototype Blended-Wing Body (BWB) aircraft for testing and demonstrating new technologies, the service announced. The aircraft is to be assembled by 2026 and flight testing will begin in 2027. “This is a prototype/demonstration project,” Air Force Secretary
Research
Crystals with the capacity to transform light directly into mechanical energy without using electricity as an interim stage could unleash a host of advances. For example, drones that run on laser beams could cut back on batteries, or do without them entirely, with the weight savings enabling extra capabilities. The
Propulsion
Hypersonix Launch Systems Ltd. and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. have announced an Exclusive Teaming Agreement to provide the Hypersonix DART AE Hypersonic System within the U.S. market, integrated with Kratos’ Zeus family of solid rocket motors. The DART AE is a three-meter-long, single-use, high temperature alloy, hydrogen-fueled,
Propulsion
Amprius Technologies, Inc. , a supplier of lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, is continuing to pioneer innovative battery technology with its newest ultra-high-power-high-energy lithium-ion battery. Leveraging the company’s advanced material system capability, the cell achieves an impressive discharge rate of 10C while delivering 400 Wh/kg energy density,
Propulsion
Sky Power GmbH is the leading manufacturer of 2-stroke combustion and Wankel engines for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) with an MTOW between 25 and 120kg. The propulsion portfolio consists of TRL9 fuel injection, carburetor, hybrid and heavy fuel engine systems. In addition to its own development and manufacturing, Sky Power
Research
Dr Arunkumar M Sampath, a Principal Consultant in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Chennai, recently published a study into the implications of the increase in the production and operation of eVTOL aircraft and UAVs within populated civilian areas at relatively low altitudes which creates noise annoyance issues that impact human
Propulsion
Raytheon in partnership with Northrop Grumman Corporation was awarded a follow-on contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to reduce risk for future air breathing hypersonic systems. Under the agreement, the Raytheon-led team will build and fly additional Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) flight vehicles. "We applied