ParaZero Technologies Ltd has announced the release of the SafeAir Phantom System to the market for sale on its website.
Described as a smart parachute system, the SafeAir Phantom System, which is ASTM compliant, monitors UAS flight in real time, identifies critical failures, and autonomously triggers a parachute, a flight termination system and an audio-warning buzzer.
Over the last year and a half, ParaZero has worked with several entities including the FAA and DJI to create a standard for small UAS parachutes that would enable flight over people.
Released in Sept. 2018, the standard (ASTM F3322-18) defines the requirements for the design, manufacturing and testing of small UAS parachute systems.
UAS
UAS
Intelligent Energy launches Power Path Module for UAS
Intelligent Energy has launched its latest product, the Power Path Module (PPM), which allows customers to double the power output from Intelligent Energy’s UAS Fuel Cell Power Modules (FCPMs).
A small unit designed to facilitate ‘plug and play,’ linking two of Intelligent Energy’s FCPMs in series, the PPM gives customers the ability to fly larger UAS with heavier payloads.
Intelligent Energy says that with the PPM connecting the FCPMs in series, two 650 watt modules will provide 1.3 kilowatts of continuous power, and two 800 watt modules will provide 1.6 kilowatts.
412th Test Wing's Emerging Technologies Combined Test Force conducts first autonomy flight test
From Feb. 26 to 28, the 412th Test Wing’s Emerging Technologies Combined Test Force (ET CTF) conducted its first autonomy flight test.
During the test, the team collected data on the Testing of Autonomy in Complex Environments (TACE) system, which was developed by Johns Hopkins University.
According to Capt. Riley Livermore, 412th Test Wing ET CTF Autonomy lead, the TACE system is test middleware that sits between an autonomy/artificial intelligence computer and an aircraft’s autopilot. The system monitors the commands being sent from the autonomy to the autopilot, and then sends back the aircraft state information such as position, speed and orientation to the autonomy.
XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator successfully completes first flight
On March 5, a long-range, high subsonic UAS called the XQ-58A Valkyrie demonstrator completed its inaugural flight at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
Developed for runway independence, the UAS performed as expected, completing 76 minutes of flight time.
“XQ-58A is the first example of a class of UAV that is defined by low procurement and operating costs while providing game changing combat capability,” says Doug Szczublewski, AFRL’s XQ-58A program manager.
The XQ-58A is a result of a collaborative effort between the Air Force Research Laboratory and Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Black Sage Technologies selects Echodyne's EchoGuard for counter UAS applications
Black Sage Technologies Inc. has selected Echodyne’s security radar, EchoGuard, as the preferred radar sensor for mid-range counter UAS security technologies.
With Echodyne’s MESA technology, a small ESA radar is created with high-fidelity data output for security integrators that require excellent range, detection and tracking accuracy, and consistent sensor performance.
The companies note that Echodyne’s MESA technology delivers a high-performance radar in a compact, solid-state, commercially-priced format for security integrators that deliver multi-sensor ground and airspace security technologies for industry, government, and defense.
Red Cat's black box flight recorder makes UAS trackable and accountable
A company called Red Cat that provides distributed data storage, analytics and services for the UAS industry has announced the beta release of its blockchain-based black box storage, analytics and services platform, which makes UAS trackable and accountable.
Red Cat says that its platform release includes several integrated systems that allow industry regulators to track and review UAS flight data, insurance companies to insure UAS with reliable third-party data, and pilots to ensure compliance with regulators.
According to Red Cat, its black box flight recorder is the first distributed system with secure and encrypted third-party data that regulators and insurance companies can trust.
Northwest UAV's NW-44 Multi-Fuel Engine surpasses 10,000 combat flight hours
Northwest UAV (NWUAV) has announced that its NW-44 Multi-Fuel Engine has flown more than 10,000 combat flight hours and logged more than 1000 flights.
The NW-44 Engine was built specifically for small UAS that require extreme endurance and high reliability. The lightweight, multi-fuel UAS engine has been designed and built to be easily adaptable so that it can meet the most challenging mission requirements.
Mississippi State University's Raspet Flight Research Laboratory acquires TigerShark XP3 UAS
Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory has acquired two of the latest TigerShark XP3 aircraft, which will help expand its UAS research and support capabilities.
Expected to substantially increase Raspet’s UAS core flight research capabilities, the TirgerShark XP3 UAS will allow the Raspet team to fly at higher altitudes and for a longer period of time, which will increase the research lab's ability to meet the needs of its federal research partners, and directly support Mississippians in times of emergency, according to Raspet Lab Director Dallas Brooks.
