Research
SkyNET is a stealth network that connects hosts to a botmaster through a mobile drone. The network is comprised of machines on home Wi-Fi networks in a proximal urban area, and one or more autonomous attack drones. The SkyNET is used by a botmaster to command their botnet(s) without
VTOL
The Lockheed Martin-led unmanned K-MAX team successfully completed a five-day Quick Reaction Assessment (QRA) for the U.S. Navy's Cargo Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) programme. "The autonomous flying K-MAX is designed to resupply Marines on the battlefield and in remote locations," said Roger Il Grande, director
Commercial
Belgian company Coptermotion unveils its VTOL miniature quadricopter designed especially for professional aerial video purposes and photographers. The Coptermotion design utilises eight main brushless electric engines which allows the aircraft to hover extremely steady in high wind turbulent conditions. The manoeuvrability is unsurpassed by using differential thrust. The thrust provides
Commercial
[youtube z8YeE9fUT7w nolink] Whilst MIT and Boeing are developing their remote iPhone controlled aircraft, Parrot is now offering a free application on the Android Market that can pilot the AR.Drone with an Android phone or tablet. For more information about the free Android application, known as AR.FreeFlight, click
Business
A company that manufactures unmanned aircraft is hovering over the Oroville Municipal Airport. If the city of Oroville, California, economic development team is successful, AirCover Integrated Solutions will land at the airport and make miniature unmanned aircraft. The company's unmanned helicopter can be used for anything from military
Commercial
The Sheriff’s Office of Montgomery County, Texas was recently awarded a grant by the Department of Homeland Security for a squadron of ShadowHawks. Montgomery County’s Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel says: “We are very excited about the funding and looking forward to placing the equipment into the field. Both
VTOL
AeroVironment, Inc. has introduced its lightweight and man-portable Shrike VTOL unmanned aircraft system. In August 2008 AeroVironment received $4.6M a contract from DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) to develop a portable, stealthy, persistent perch and stare (SP2S) unmanned aircraft system. Shrike VTOL represents the conclusion of this
Research
At the graduation ceremony of the Singularity University last week, Matternet proposed applying quad-copter technology by building a network of robotic drones to deliver medication quickly and very cost-effectively. This particular class of S.U. was focused on solving problems for "the next billion people," those without access
Military
US Navy acquisition officials are in discussions with Northrop about acquiring an unmanned helicopter based on the Bell 407 civil helicopter for special operations use. The possible sale is a rapid outgrowth of an effort Northrop and Bell began less than two years ago to demonstrate how the 407 could
VTOL
Scion Aviation has unveiled two new unmanned helicopters designed to challenge the Saab Skeldar and Schiebel S-100 in bids for US contracts. The company intends to start flight tests in the fourth quarter of this year with a 68kg (150lb)-class UAS called Weasel, said chief executive Jim Sampson. The