The University of North Dakota’s (UND) UAS degree program is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
According to Al Palmer, the retired director of UND’s Aerospace UAS program, UND began planning its foray into UAS in 2005. To get “ahead of the coming UAS wave,” Ben Trapnell, associate professor of aviation, was tasked with creating an education program for UND Aerospace back in 2006.
Three years later in 2009, everyone was onboard with the program, which led to the State Board of Higher Education approving the program, and UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences becoming the first university to offer a degree program in UAS operations.
UAS
UAS
UAV Turbines demonstrates Monarch Hybrid Range Extender for electrically powered medium-sized UAS
Microturbine technology developer UAV Turbines Inc. (UAVT) has announced the successful demonstration of its Monarch Hybrid Range Extender (HREX), which the company describes as a microturbine powered generator technology that extends the range of electrically powered medium-sized UAS.
With the HREX developmental system, the range of a number of different electrically powered UAS now in development can be extended, while at the same time providing the proven reliability of a gas turbine system.
Air Force Academy showcases UAS during multi-drone light show
To celebrate its rivalry with West Point, the Air Force Academy held a
Oklahoma State University drone program awarded $1.49 million grant
As part of its National Robotics Initiative 2.0 program, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) drone program a $1.49 million grant.
Awarded to OSU researchers He Bai, Rushikesh Kamalapurkar, Jamey Jacob and Matt Vance and former faculty member Balaji Jayaraman, the grant, which is the only grant of its kind awarded in Oklahoma, will be used to fund research that uses UAS technology to estimate wind conditions in differing environments.
Aerodyne Group acquires controlling interest of Measure to create Aerodyne Measure
International drone-based managed solutions provider Aerodyne Group has acquired a controlling interest in the services business of aerial intelligence company Measure.
Known as Aerodyne Measure, the new, combined business entity will continue serving enterprise clients in North America, providing high quality aerial inspections and data analysis services.
Through the agreement, Measure will also get additional funding as it grows its stand-alone software as a service (SaaS) offering, Measure Ground Control, which is an end-to-end software platform for enterprise UAS programs.
SkySkopes announces spin off company for UAS-related oilfield operations
Professional drone services company SkySkopes has announced the launch of SkySkopes Oil & Gas LLC, which is a new spin off company for UAS-related oilfield operations.
DJI joins Memphis UAS IPP team
The Memphis UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) team has announced that DJI has joined the Memphis IPP team at Memphis International Airport.
To explore the safety and efficiency benefits of small UAS applications at the Memphis International Airport, the Memphis IPP team is using DJI UAS for a variety of operations including for FedEx aircraft inspections, to deliver FedEx aircraft parts in day and night operations, and to provide airport perimeter security.
“DJI is excited to show how drone technology can improve the safety and efficiency of operations, even at an airport,” says Brendan Schulman, DJI vice president of Policy & Legal Affairs.
Robotic Skies selected to provide UAS maintenance support for Acecore Technologies' UAS
UAS designer and manufacturer Acecore Technologies has partnered with Robotic Skies Inc. to provide customers with full-service maintenance and field repair support for Acecore’s Neo and Zoe UAS.
According to Acecore, the certified repair stations that make up the Robotic Skies Service Center network “employ the quality, standards, and practices of manned aviation maintenance in the unmanned aviation market.” Robotic Skies provides several services, including routine and field maintenance, inspections, upgrades, and aircraft on ground (AOG) support.
SkyGrid approved as LAANC supplier
The FAA has approved SkyGrid, a Boeing, SparkCognition company based in Austin, Texas, as a supplier of Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) services.
As a UAS Service Supplier (USS) of LAANC, SkyGrid says that it will “accelerate its commitment to ensuring safe and secure integration” of UAS into the global airspace.
“LAANC integration is a key addition to the SkyGrid aerial operating system, which is focused on making UAV integration safer, more secure, and collaborative with regulators across the globe,” says Amir Husain, CEO of SkyGrid.
Aveox unveils Ultimate Torque line of brushless motors and stator/rotor sets
Aveox Inc., a developer of Brushless DC Motors, Controllers and Power Conversion Electronics, has launched its “Ultimate Torque” (UT) line of brushless motors and stator/rotor sets, which can be used for applications such as UAS propulsion and generation and robotics.
According to Aveox, the UT direct drive Torque Motors are characterized by very high motor constants (Kt ∕ ), low inertia and low weight. The company adds that proprietary designs created using Finite Element Analysis software have been optimized to deliver “high peak and continuous” torque while minimizing cogging torque and reducing weight.
