DroneResponders, a non-profit program that supports public safety UAS, has announced that it has surpassed 600 member public safety agencies that are operating UAS.
To recognize this milestone, the Florida-based program has launched its Fall 2019 Public Safety UAS research survey, which is designed to collect data from various organizations that use UAS for public safety missions, including emergency management, fire response and law enforcement.
Technology
Technology
Maui Electric Company to use UAS to conduct routine aerial power line inspections
This week, Maui Electric Company will use UAS and a helicopter to conduct routine aerial power line inspections throughout the island of Maui, weather permitting.
As part of the aerial survey, documentation will be done using a remote light detection and ranging surveying instrument, providing updated maps of the island’s transmission lines and other electrical infrastructure.
A helicopter and inspectors on foot will also assess spans of electrical equipment in areas that have certain air space regulations or limited functioning ranges for the UAS operators.
Sea Machines demonstrates how autonomous tech can increase safety of marine oil-spill response ops
Sea Machines Robotics has announced that as part of its cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), it successfully demonstrated its autonomous systems for use onboard a Kvichak Marco skimmer boat during events held along the Portland harbor on Aug. 21.
A Vigor/Kvichak Marine Industries-built skimmer boat was utilized during the on-water demonstrations. According to Sea Machines, the boat, which is owned by Marine Spill Response Corp. (MSRC), is the world’s first autonomous spill response vessel.
Airbus Aerial granted waiver to conduct BVLOS ops without visual observer in Grand Forks
The FAA has granted Airbus Aerial a waiver to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS operations without the need for a visual observer in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Airbus Aerial will perform these flights under the North Dakota Department of Transportation’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP).
“UAS are a critical aspect of the future of aviation in America – and, in fact, globally. We are honored to be a part of such an important, historic effort,” says Jesse Kallman, head of Airbus Defense and Space’s Intelligence business activities in North America.
Impossible Aerospace's US-1 crosses northern Nevada desert without recharging
Impossible Aerospace has announced that its US-1 “flying battery” quadcopter is the first aircraft of its kind to cross the northern Nevada desert without recharging.
The feat was accomplished on Aug. 6 during repeated 72-minute flights across the playa.
“The US-1 is the first major breakthrough in drone performance since the introduction of the quadcopter,” says Spencer Gore, CEO.
“More importantly, is the first battery-electric aircraft to rival the performance of a conventionally powered system.”
UAVOS, ISR Unmanned Technologies introduce new unmanned helicopter
UAVOS and ISR Unmanned Technologies Ltd. have developed a new unmanned helicopter called ISR-350-5, which is designed for commercial and security operations.
Expected to be manufactured and assembled in the United Kingdom, the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft has undergone extensive research, development and innovation, which has led to improvements to all its systems including the mechanics, the on-board electronics and the available payloads.
UAVOS says the UAS offers “a solution for the new medium-sized unmanned helicopter tailored specifically to the requirements of the commercial and civil operations.”
Unmanned vehicles to change the way we fight our wars
Unmanned vehicles “are going to change the way we fight our wars,” according to Brig. Gen. Ross Coffman, Director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) – Cross Functional Team (CFT), U.S. Army Futures Command.
Among the many ways this technology could help soldiers on the battlefield is by taking them out of precarious situations and conducting dangerous operations.
While robots will not save the number of people needed, they “will save the people you have by managing risks,” Coffman said during his keynote address on the final day of AUVSI Unmanned Systems Defense. Protection. Security in Washington.
DOD plans 'trusted capital' program to match small UAS makers with investors
The U.S. Department of Defense will roll out a "trusted capital" program this fall aimed at bolstering the domestic industrial base for small unmanned aircraft, said Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment.
Lord, kicking off the first day of AUVSI Unmanned Systems Defense. Protection. Security in Washington, saying, "we are not innovating on the business side of things as quickly as technology is being innovated and applied to warfighter missions."
North Dakota UAS IPP, Xcel Energy receive waivers to conduct wider range of UAS flights without visual observers
On Friday, Aug. 16, Sen. John Hoeven of North Dakota announced that the FAA has issued waivers for North Dakota’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) and electric services company Xcel Energy, which will allow each entity to conduct a wider range of UAS flights without a chase plane or other visual observers.
“These updated waivers for the North Dakota IPP and Xcel Energy are a big win, and with them in place, companies across the country should recognize that our state is the location of choice for advanced UAS operations,” Senator Hoeven says.
