An MIT lab has developed a system that creates the controller for a hybrid drone, UPS forms a drone delivery subsidiary, LAANC is expanded to include recreational Part 107 operators, Australian drone registration is delayed, a gas detecting micro-drone, and a quadcopter that shrinks to get through small openings.

UAV NewsDesigning custom “hybrid drones”

The MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL) has developed a system that uses a neural network to design the controller for drones that combine the VTOL characteristics of a multi-rotor with the horizontal flight of a fixed-wing. Non-experts can easily design a hybrid drone in a few hours.

Video: Hybrid Drones: Drones that can hover like helicopters and fly like planes

UPS Forms Subsidiary And Applies For FAA Certification To Operate Drone Delivery Unit

UPS has filed for Part 135 certification from the FAA to operate a newly established subsidiary called UPS Flight Forward, Inc. The certification, when granted, will allow application for FAA-approved flight operations beyond line of sight, at night, and with an unlimited number of drones and operators in command. UPS intends to be at the forefront of commercial drone aviation for routine flights.

FAA to Further Expand Opportunities for Safe Drone Operations

On July 23, 2019, the FAA expanded the Low Altitude Authorization and Capability (LAANC) system to include recreational flyers. The FAA says this “will significantly increase the ability of drone pilots to gain access to controlled airspace nationwide.” It is accessible to all pilots who operate under the FAA’s small drone rule (Part 107).

Australian drone licence scheme delayed

The roll-out of the Australian drone registration scheme has been delayed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). CASA said, “We’re going to be toughening up the drone safety rules” and also that “Commercial operators [will be] first [to register], then recreational. Recreational users are likely to start in mid to late 2020.”

Radio beacon-guided drone has a nose for toxic gases

The SNAV (Smelling Nano Aerial Vehicle) is a tiny drone that fits in the palm of your hand. It has MOX (metal oxide) gas sensors that can detect carbon monoxide, methane, and other organic volatile compounds like ethanol, acetone, and benzene. Spanish researchers from the University of Barcelona and the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia modified a commercially available Crazyflie 2.0 mini quadcopter.

Spring-Loaded Drone Collapses Mid-Flight to Zip Through Windows

Q: How do you get a larger quadcopter through a smaller opening, like a window? A: Shoot toward the window, fold the arms back at the last moment, pass through the opening with momentum, then unfold the arms and recover on the other side. UC Berkeley researchers have demonstrated a foldable drone that does just that.

Video: Design and Control of a Passively Morphing Quadcopter

Announcement

Proceedings: 2019 FAA UAS Symposium held June 3-5, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland is now available.