A loyal wingman is unveiled by Boeing, special ops drones for training exercises, safe and effective volcano research, remote ID technology partners announced, crushing rocks and measuring the pile with a drone, and PPE delivery to the home.

UAV NewsBoeing rolls out first Loyal Wingman unmanned aircraft

The first unmanned Loyal Wingman aircraft has been presented to the Royal Australian Air Force by a Boeing-led Australian industry team. The aircraft is the first to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. This is the first of three prototypes for Australia’s Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program. Next comes ground testing, followed by taxi and first flight later in 2020. It is the foundation for the Airpower Teaming System (ATS) being developed by Boeing for the global defense market.

Video: Boeing Unveils First Loyal Wingman Aircraft

US special operations troops turn to drones to remotely advise Iraqis

Physical distancing during the coronavirus pandemic has come to military operations. U.S. special operations troops have been using drones to train security forces in Iraq. Advisers with the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve use the remotely piloted aircraft to record the training exercises, then review the footage and provide feedback on the Iraqi troops’ tactics.

The drone revolution in volcano research

Active volcanoes are dangerous for researchers and scientists often study them with helicopters and satellite imagery. But some areas, like lava lakes, are difficult or impossible to access. Now volcanologists are using drones to study the Nyiaragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Drones images are much higher resolution than alternatives and much lower cost than helicopter or satellite imaging.

Press Release – U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Technology Partners for Remote ID Development

The FAA announced that eight companies will assist the government in establishing technology requirements for future suppliers of Remote Identification (Remote ID): Airbus, AirMap, Amazon, Intel, One Sky, Skyward, T-Mobile, and Wing. They were selected through a previous Request for Information process. The technology requirements that result will govern the applications created by future Remote ID UAS Service Suppliers. These applications will provide in-flight drone identification and location information to safety and security authorities.

McMurry Ready Mix Boosts Inventory Management and Mine Mapping Effectiveness with Kespry’s Touchless, Drone-Based Aerial Intelligence Platform

A large Wyoming producer of aggregates and ready-mix is using Kespry drones for inventory management, mine mapping, and auditing. In 2019 alone, McMurry Ready Mix conducted 270 flights with Kespry. McMurry Ready Mix General Manager Rob Jongsma said, “We use Kespry a lot. And the great thing is, whether we use it 30 or 300 times in a year, the cost to us doesn’t change…”

Dive Delivery Begins Backyard Drone Deliveries of Essential Goods in San Mateo & Contra Costa Counties (CA)

Dive Delivery plans to deliver face masks and other lightweight items to residential backyards using off-the-shelf drones equipped with drop mechanisms. Pilots will operate under Part 107 rules making visual line of sight (VLOS) deliveries. Residents of San Mateo and Contra Costa counties in California can sign up to participate in the trials. This is “last-mile delivery.” BVLOS delivery is pending UTM technology from the regulator.