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UND Aerospace and NAL Research partner to develop advanced satcoms for drones

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University of North Dakota Aerospace and NAL Research are collaborating on a project where NAL will provide the foundation with a suite of satellite and communication (SATCOM) products and services for its Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Program.

The project will integrate and test command and control (C2) solutions for UAS platforms conducting beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in rural and remote areas.

Together, UND Aerospace and NAL Research will validate new C2 technologies for UAS to safely operate both within the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System (NAS), and in conflict zones where traditional GPS signals may be jammed or spoofed. [Read more…] about UND Aerospace and NAL Research partner to develop advanced satcoms for drones

Japanese researchers develop ‘innovative, low-cost’ UAV for inspecting transmission lines

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The novel approach avoids costly and sophisticated equipment, while also enabling automated close-range inspection of transmission lines

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now widely used for remote inspection of electrical transmission lines, but capturing detailed information over long distances poses challenges.

Additionally, sophisticated equipment is needed due to magnetic field interferences, increasing costs. Now, a team of researchers has introduced an innovative low-cost UAV platform.

Using specialized algorithms, it addresses the limitations of affordable equipment, facilitating close-range inspections. The proposed system paves the way for the widespread adoption of automated inspection systems. [Read more…] about Japanese researchers develop ‘innovative, low-cost’ UAV for inspecting transmission lines

DJI’s launches new commercial drone

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DJI, the world’s largest civilian drones and aerial imaging technology company, has launched a new drone, which “sets a new standard for any commercial drone operator”, according to the company.

It adds that the DJI Matrice 350 RTK (M350 RTK) “redefines the ultimate tool for the commercial drone industry”.

The M350 RTK is said to be an upgraded flagship drone platform that is more adaptable, safer and efficient for any aerial operation in public safety, energy, mapping, infrastructure or forestry, to name a few. [Read more…] about DJI’s launches new commercial drone

Abu Dhabi’s SkyGo invests in commercial drones provider Airobotics for goods transportation

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Airobotics and Sky Go Transport of Goods, a UAE-based company with commercial license to provide unmanned aerial transport of goods and services across the city of Abu Dhabi, have agreed a joint venture to provide aerial drone services to the city of Abu Dhabi.

Airobotics is a wholly-owned subsidiary Ondas Holdings, a provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions.

As a part of the partnership, Airobotics, subject to the finalization of required formalities, has received an initial multi-system purchase order for $3.5 million from SkyGo. The purchase order is conditioned by the completion of proof of concept. [Read more…] about Abu Dhabi’s SkyGo invests in commercial drones provider Airobotics for goods transportation

Quaternium and Löweheiser claim ‘new flight record’ with Hybrix drone

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Quaternium has partnered with Löweheiser to achieve what it claims is “a new flight record” of 10 hours 14 minutes with HYBRiX drone. (See video below.)

The inventor of hybrid drones is making history again with an impressive hovering flight of 10 hours and 14 minutes with their world leading fuel-electric multirotor HYBRiX.

For this quest, Quaternium has partnered with the pioneer EFI manufacturer Löweheiser, a company that has designed the smallest fuel injection in the market, specifically optimized for unmanned aircrafts. [Read more…] about Quaternium and Löweheiser claim ‘new flight record’ with Hybrix drone

SkyDrive launches ‘world’s smallest flying car’

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A Japanese startup company called SkyDrive has unveiled what it claims is the world’s smallest flying car. (See video below.)

Designed to carry one person, the vehicle could be said to be the aerial equivalent of a motorcycle.

SkyDrive says it can put the what we’ll call the “airbike” into mass production in just two years’ time, by which time there should be more regulations about aerial vehicles. [Read more…] about SkyDrive launches ‘world’s smallest flying car’

Honeywell forms business units for unmanned aerial systems

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Honeywell has formed a new business unit dedicated to the growing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industries.

The UAS business unit will continue Honeywell’s momentum and leadership in these emerging markets, utilizing Honeywell’s technology, software, services and certification expertise to meet customers’ needs in these markets.

Mike Madsen, president and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace, says: “Urban Air Mobility and Unmanned Aerial Systems will play an increasing role in the future of aerospace, with potential applications in all-electric urban air taxi vehicles, hybrid-electric unmanned cargo drones, optionally piloted airplanes, delivery drones and everything in between. [Read more…] about Honeywell forms business units for unmanned aerial systems

Drones expected to grow to $100 billion market as they take off in commercial and industrial sectors while delivery market beckons

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Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), more commonly referred to as drones, have been in the public eye for well over this decade and a hype cycle developed around its applications for the consumer and commercial space.

The high-profile failure of major drone manufacturers and software providers, such as US firm Airware in 2018, somewhat tempered initial enthusiasm, causing early projections from industry organizations such as the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) to look overly optimistic.

However, according to a new report from global tech market advisory, ABI Research, commercial drone usage, especially in the industrial space, will be a source of accelerating growth throughout the next decade with $101 billion in revenue being created annually by 2030 across the commercial, military, civil, and consumer sectors. [Read more…] about Drones expected to grow to $100 billion market as they take off in commercial and industrial sectors while delivery market beckons

Yamaha invests in drone tech startup Exyn

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Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley, the strategic business development and investment arm of Yamaha Motor, has participated in the $16 million Series A funding round for Exyn Technologies, a developer of autonomous aerial robotics for GPS-denied environments.

The investment is one of the first out of the $100 million Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund established in 2018 and activated this year. The Exyn investment reflects YMVSV’s interest in developing innovation in the aviation sector.

George Kellerman, CEO and managing director of YMVSV, says: “Advanced aerial autonomy technologies have broad impacts across industry sectors, making Exyn Technologies a very attractive exploratory investment for us. [Read more…] about Yamaha invests in drone tech startup Exyn

iRed launches new drone aerial inspection system

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Thermographic imaging specialist iRed has launched new aerial inspection services.

The company says it has been testing and developing the system for years and it’s capable of providing entirely new points of view.

“Since early 2012, we’ve been testing and developing aerial technologies in order to produce a comprehensive and efficient inspection solution that not only complements our existing remote sensing capabilities but would also allow us to perform surveys from new perspectives,” says the company in a statement.  [Read more…] about iRed launches new drone aerial inspection system