This week in Drone News: An Airbus Zephyr UAS has been flying for 17 days so far, A Mavic 3 was shot down, NAAA cautions UAS operators for crop spraying operations, and Samsung’s Airborne surveillance camera.

An Airbus Zephyr S Solar powered UAV has been flying above Arizona for 17 days - So far… 

While not a small UAS, This goes to show how solar power could one day allow for perpetual operation of a UAV!

The Zephyr S remained above the Sofa Wilderness and Yuma Test Range before flying to Belize.

It’s unclear how long the aircraft will remain airborne. During the testing of the Zephyr System in 2018, the aircraft flew for 28 days.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/zephyr-high-flying-drone-has-been-up-for-17-days-as-part-of-army-test

An investigation is ongoing in North Carolina, after a man’s Mavic 3 was shot down during a family gathering.

The pilot was taking pictures of the sunset when they heard 4 shots, and the aircraft fell out of the sky.

The operator reported the incident to both local law enforcement and the FAA. 

The FAA stated “A private citizen shooting at any aircraft – including unmanned aircraft – poses a significant safety hazard… Could crash, causing damage to persons or property on the ground, or it could collide with other objects in the air,” said Elizabeth Cory (FAA).

https://dronexl.co/2022/07/06/dji-mavic-3-drone-shot-north-carolina/

Samsung has created a drone to provide overwatch in dark areas.

This drone is designed to provide overwatch to people traveling through areas in cities that are poorly lit or have a high crime rate.

The drone captures 360 degree video and can summon police if it detects a crime has been committed, and even can track the suspects.

https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/07/04/this-samsung-drone-wasnt-designed-for-consumers-it-was-designed-for-public-safety/

The National Agricultural Aviation Association released a flyer cautioning UAS operators for upcoming agricultural operations

This flyer advised the following

Equip UAV with Strobe Lights and Tracking Technology like and ADS-B out system

Get Certified and Trained in operating a UAV

Follow the law- Always give the right of way to manned aircraft

Coordinate with local aircraft operators about your UAV operations

Carry sufficient UAV liability insurance

 https://agairupdate.com/2022/04/18/naaa-cautions-unmanned-aircraft-operators-not-to-interfere-with-low-altitude-manned-agricultural-aircraft-this-growing-season/