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uas

Xwing’s uncrewed aircraft system becomes FAA’s first certification project

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Autonomous aviation company Xwing has submitted a Project Specific Certification Plan (PSCP) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), becoming the first Standard Category large unmanned aerial system (UAS) to receive official project designation.

This marks the beginning of the process for approval of uncrewed commercial cargo operations in the national airspace.

Unlike other aviation projects that focus on augmenting piloted operations with autonomous technology or have Special Category certification, Xwing’s Superpilot technology integrates into existing type certified aircraft to enable uncrewed operations that work within the existing air traffic control system. [Read more…] about Xwing’s uncrewed aircraft system becomes FAA’s first certification project

New York Power Authority cleared to fly drones beyond line of sight

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The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has received its first federal approval to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the pilot in command.

In a significant step forward, this Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver enables NYPA to conduct fully remote drone operations such as asset and vegetative management inspections at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County.

NYPA’s growing drone program supports its industry-leading asset management strategies and is part of an Authority-wide digitization initiative to modernize grid infrastructure to advance the efficient delivery of clean power statewide. [Read more…] about New York Power Authority cleared to fly drones beyond line of sight

FLIR Systems launches new sensor for drones and robots

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FLIR Systems has launched something called “FLIR Hadron”, which the company describes as the industry’s first dual sensor module for drone, robotic, and imaging original equipment manufacturers.

Designed to help reduce development costs and improve time-to-market, the lightweight, low power, and compact form factor includes a 12-megapixel visible camera paired with the FLIR Boson 320×240 resolution thermal camera with up to a 60-hertz framerate.

Paul Clayton, general manager, components business at FLIR, says: “With the introduction of Hadron, FLIR Systems is leading the way in offering low-cost, dual sensor integration across a variety of industries from commercial drones to industrial imaging systems. [Read more…] about FLIR Systems launches new sensor for drones and robots

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

Flir Systems acquires Aeryon Labs

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Flir Systems, Inc. has acquired Aeryon Labs Inc., a developer of high-performance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the global military, public safety, and critical infrastructure markets, for $200 million.

Aeryon’s vertical takeoff and landing quad-copter airframes integrate multiple sensors, including Flir thermal technology, to provide users with immediate high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

Based in Waterloo, Canada, and with offices in Denver and Salt Lake City, Aeryon Labs was founded in 2007 and is a designer and manufacturer of mission-focused Group 1 UAS solutions built around aircraft under 20 pounds.

[Read more…] about Flir Systems acquires Aeryon Labs

Skies full of drones bring many new risks, Allianz warns

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Insurance and financial services giant Allianz is warning that exponential growth in the number of drones in the sky carries a wide range of risks 

Whether used commercially for industrial inspections, aerial photography, border patrol, emergency deliveries and crop surveys or recreationally by millions, drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have the potential to become a multi-billion dollar business and deliver problem-solving technologies across numerous industries.

However, more drones in the skies also raise a number of new safety concerns, ranging from collisions and crashes to cyber-attacks and terrorism.

To ensure safe UAS operations, systematic registration of unmanned aircraft and robust education and training of operators is necessary, according to a new report from aviation insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS): Rise of the Drones: Managing the Unique Risks Associated with Unmanned Aircraft Systems.  [Read more…] about Skies full of drones bring many new risks, Allianz warns