UAV News Talk – Drone News, eVTOLs, UAS Policy & Air Mobility

Remote Identification from the eyes of different stakeholders, the Speed Racer is revealed, a buyer’s guide to drones for beginners, wet drones in Scotland, saving dolphins in New Zealand, Skyborg is coming this summer, and rogue drone detection and mitigation.

UAV NewsHow You Fly Determines Where You Stand: A RID Comparative

The final remote identification rule differed from the NPRM, and this article examines how the rule impacts different stakeholders, including service suppliers, drone service providers and operators, security agencies, hobby and recreational users, foreign-registered drones, designers, and producers.

Skunk Works Reveals Speed Racer Configuration

Lockheed Martin Skunk Works has provided some information about their secretive air-launched UAS. The Speed Racer has a hexagonal fuselage with folding and swept wings and two canted aft dorsal tails and one ventral tail. In a company video, the Speed Racer was launched by what looks like a Beechcraft 1900D.

7 Best Drones for Beginners: Your Buyer’s Guide

This article proposed some beginner drones ranging in price from $45 to $330.

Scottish police slammed over non-waterproof drone purchase

Scottish police chiefs purchased $83,000 worth of DJI Matrice 210 drones to help locate missing people and to lower response times. The problem is the Matrice 210 isn’t designed to fly in the rain and 16 of them have crashed flying in wet weather. DJI says the Matrice 210 is certified to an IP43 rating which is insufficient in the rain.

New Zealand Supporting Drone Project to Monitor Rare DolphinsHigh hopes: drones join fight to save New Zealand’s rarest dolphin

The Māui Drone Project will use drones to monitor and protect the Maui dolphin, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals. It is estimated that there are only 63 adult members of the species left. The fixed-wing VTOL drones will find and track Maui dolphins, fly over them without disturbing them, and collect data on their habitat, population size and other behaviors. In testing, the drone can distinguish Māui dolphins from other species with over 90% accuracy, using AI technology. The one-year project is a collaboration between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the MAUI63 nonprofit wildlife organization, and the World Wildlife Fund-New Zealand.  

Video from WWF New Zealand: MAUI63 Drone Launch

USAF to flight test Skyborg autonomous system at Orange Flag this summer

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is developing the Skyborg autonomous aircraft. The program is in its early development phase but ultimately Skyborg technology will be incorporated into UAVs that are considered expendable in combat. The technology will be tested during Orange Flag exercises this summer. AFRL has contracted with Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to develop the prototypes.

FAA Selects Five Host Airports to Test and Evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Detection and Mitigation Systems

The FAA has selected five host airports to evaluate technologies and systems that could detect and mitigate potential safety risks posed by unmanned aircraft. The effort is part of the FAA’s Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems Detection and Mitigation Research Program. Researchers plan to test and evaluate at least 10 technologies or systems at these airports. 

See the news release: FAA to Test and Evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Detection & Mitigation Equipment at Airports.

Testing will begin in 2021 and continue through 2023 to create standards for future unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation technologies at airports around the country. The FAA selected the following airports:

• Atlantic City International Airport in Atlantic City, New Jersey
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York
• Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio
• Huntsville International Airport in Huntsville, Alabama
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Washington

How to become a drone test administrator, Ingenuity phones home from Mars, lessons of the dot-com crash and the eVTOL market, a Skunk Works “Speed Racer,” Naval resupply with an autonomous UAS, and a new animated drone show record.

UAV NewsThe FAA wants you… to be a drone test administrator

The FAA developed a 3-step process to implement a nation-wide system to train and test all recreational drone pilots. Test content development and test administration is complete, now the FAA needs volunteers to become an FAA Approved Test Administrator of The Recreational UAS Safety Test (FAA Approved TA TRUST). The FAA is inviting interested parties to submit applications to become testers and will announce selected test administrators in June 2021.

See: FAA Seeks TRUST Administrators for Drone Pilot Test and Aeronautical Knowledge and Safety Test Updates.

The first helicopter on Mars phones home after Perseverance rover landing

The Ingenuity helicopter that was carried to Mars by the Perseverance rover is successfully communicating with controllers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. A series of battery charging cycles will take place, then the helicopter will be released by the rover. A 30-day experimental flight test window will follow. The JPL said, “If Ingenuity succeeds in taking off and hovering during its first flight, over 90 percent of the project’s goals will have been achieved. If the rotorcraft lands successfully and remains operable, up to four more flights could be attempted, each one building on the success of the last.”

Entering the era of peak uncertainty for eVTOLs

Is the emerging air mobility market repeating the scenario that took place before the dot-com crash? Valuations are not connected to market fundamentals, we see significant technology trends, and an there is an inability to distinguish fact from hype. Also, power sources and capacities are not established, and viable eVTOL applications are not uncertain. Will people embrace UAM and who will be the corporate winners and losers? The crystal ball is cloudy.

Secretive New Skunk Works UAS Set For Ground Testing Soon

The Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is about to start ground testing the “Speed Racer.” The name is an acronym, but its meaning is unknown. The vehicle is part of the StarDrive initiative where the U.S. Air Force wants to unite digital engineering tools for the design, manufacturing, and sustainment phases of new weapon systems. Lockheed intends that StarDrive will reduce the time and cost of producing and operating new flight vehicles for the military. 

Navy Tests Autonomous Aerial Supply Drone From Its Newest Supercarrier

On Feb. 21, 2021, the U.S. Navy demonstrated a small, autonomous VTOL unmanned aircraft that delivered “light-weight logistical equipment” to the USS Gerald R. Ford. The payload was transported from the Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia to the Ford. The Blue Water UAS was commercially procured in October 2020. It’s a version of the Skyways V2.5 Hybrid-Electric that features an AI-driven flight system, maximum range of 500 miles, and maximum payload of 30 pounds.

UAV Video of the Week

Hundreds of drones took Van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night’ to the skies — and set a Guinness World Record

Six hundred drones told the story of Van Gogh’s life in the night sky over China’s Tianjin Municipality, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest animation performed by unmanned aerial vehicles – 26 minutes and 19 seconds. The display was created by drone production company EFYI Group, along with Tianjin University.

Video: Unbelievable DRONE display – Guinness World Records

DJI’s new FPV drone, Super Bowl drone incursions, Major League Baseball drone incursions, drones at the Daytona 500, and UAS given to law enforcement.

UAV NewsDJI’s breakthrough controller, other new FPV details emerge

There’s a new DJI FPV drone on the way. Based on DroneDJ sources, the drone will have some kind of joystick-style controller. Maybe included, maybe an accessory. The controller could provide intuitive control for pitch, roll, yaw, and thrust. The DJI FPV drone with a joystick controller should be easier to learn than standard FPV control with sticks.

Related:

Breaking: DJI FPV drone accidentally put up for pre-order on Amazon UK

DJI’s unannounced FPV drone is already the star of a complete unboxing video

Video: Unboxing the Unreleased DJI FPV Drone Combo

Florida Man Flies Drone Near Tampa Super Bowl Activities, Faces 1 Year In Prison

A 33-year old man has been charged with violating national defense airspace. FBI agents caught him flying near the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, inside the Super Bowl LV TFR. It seems he operated the drone BVLOS and he also flew his drone over people and moving vehicles. The man said he is an FAA-licensed remote pilot UAS operator and that he was aware of the TFR.

Second Florida Man Charged With Flying Drone Near Pre-Super Bowl Events

Another 33-year old man who busted the TFR also told agents that he is an FAA-licensed drone pilot and he was aware of the temporary flight restriction.

Sheriff’s office warns of more than 70 Super Bowl LV drone intrusions

Florida’s Hillsborough County sheriff said there been more than 70 drone intrusions from people wanting to capture an aerial view of the Super Bowl. 

As Drones Take Off, MLB Has to Play Defense

Five Major League Baseball games were interrupted by rogue drones in 2020. Mike McCormick, legal counsel for the Stadium Managers Association said, “It’s become a significant factor in the whole security conversation with stadiums.” Demand is growing for drone detection systems.

Daytona 500: Fox Sports Extends Use of ‘Megalodon,’ Improves Drones for NASCAR Season

Fox Sports has been using drones for event coverage. Their FPV racing drone is capable of 85 mph, carries a Dream Chip camera, and is operated by production company Beverly Hills Aerials. A heavy-lift drone is equipped with a Sony HDC-P50 4K camera.

DJI and Draganfly Tried to Use the Pandemic to Get Law Enforcement to Use More Drones

Unknown to the Trader Joe’s in Westport, Connecticut, a police department captain used a drone to observe shoppers as they were lined up outside the store. The officer was observing social distancing, and looking for high temperature and increased heart rate. The shoppers were not told this was going to happen.

A week later, the “Flatten the Curve Pilot Program” was unveiled in collaboration with Draganfly, the Canadian drone company. The program was due to last through the summer but public outcry changed that plan and the program was canceled less than 48 hours later.

The Documenting COVID-19 project at Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation reports that police departments in multiple states were given or loaned surveillance technology from Draganfly and DJI. The drones were fitted with thermal cameras and intercoms to disperse crowds and broadcast coronavirus information. In some cases, the drones were equipped with health vitals monitors

UAV Video of the Week: 

Drone footage captures eagle rays near Woodgate

Justin Woodgate and his father were visiting Woodgate in Australia. When they stopped for a break, they saw fins breaking the surface.

Video: Marine Life in the Bundaberg/Woodgate Beach Region

United Airlines plans to provide eVTOL service, hydrogen transportation for fuel cell UAVs, flying an uncrewed aircraft through a hurricane, drones meet law enforcement and privacy, and drones for STEM.

UAV NewsUnited First Major Airline to Move on Electric Planes Starting with Uber-Like Service to Airports

United Airlines plans to have a role in the urban air mobility market with “last mile” transportation between airports and urban destinations using low-emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The United eVTOL will be developed by partner Archer and carry four passengers up to 60 miles at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. United and regional affiliate Mesa Airlines have committed to purchase up to 200 of the planes in a deal valued at $1 billion.

High-Pressure Valve Developed for UAV Hydrogen Transportation

Without a special rated valve, transportation of full UAV-compatible hydrogen cylinders is not permitted. In the EU, the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED) specifies the safety requirements for transportable pressure equipment used exclusively for the transport of dangerous goods (Class 2) within the Union. Transportable pressure equipment is required to bear the Pi marking to indicate compliance with the directive. The US DoT also has a similar requirement.

Intelligent Energy, which offers hydrogen fuel cell modules and accessories for UAVs, developed the rated Pressure Tech CV414 valve. With it, you can transport full cylinders of hydrogen for powering drones. Andy Kelly, Head of UAV Product Development at Intelligent Energy says, “Now full UAV compatible cylinders can be transported; the next logical step is to get them delivered directly to our customers. We want it to be as straightforward as ordering barbecue gas and getting empty cylinders collected.”

Promotional video: Fuel cell power for UAVs

Drones That Hunt Hurricanes – NOAA Puts Some To The Test

Last month, NOAA scientists launched a small research drone from a Hurricane Hunter plane to collect weather data used for hurricane forecasts. The Altius-600 uncrewed aircraft created by Area-I was adapted for sampling weather data, can fly up to four hours and up to 265 miles, and is not recoverable after being used in a storm.

nAn Altius uncrewed research drone similar to those being tested by scientists aboard NOAA Hurricane Hunters. Courtesy of Area-I via NOAA.

The Altius-600 is the first of three small uncrewed aircraft systems NOAA is testing. The research supports NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Strategy to expand the use of uncrewed systems. The development and testing of the uncrewed systems is also supported by NOAA’s Small Business Innovation Research Program.

Florida Legislation Could Bolster Police Use of Drones

State Senate Bill 44 unanimously passed the Florida Senate’s Criminal Justice Committee. It expands the use of drones by law enforcement and government agencies. Under the bill, drones could be used to assist with traffic management (but not to issue a ticket based on images or video captured by a drone), assist in collecting evidence at a crime scene or traffic crash scene. assess damage after natural disasters, and assist fire department personnel. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has raised privacy concerns. The bill is under review by the Senate’s Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee.

Drones for Schools: The North Carolina Educator UAS Cohort is a Model that Works

The North Carolina Educators UAS Cohort (NCEUASC) provides educators with support and training so they can effectively adopt drones as a tool in a STEAM curriculum. The Cohort provided all members with a Tello EDU fly more kit, as well as a one-year membership to drone curriculum provider DroneBlocks. The UAS Cohort is a partnership between the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the North Carolina DOT, Nine Ten Drones, STEMERALD City, and media partner, Dronelife. In May 2021, the NCEUASC will be hosting a virtual competition for North Carolina students.

Urban airports for drones as a service, FAA UTM transparency, a new Transportation secretary, drones that self-monitor airworthiness, domestic actions against Chinese drones, and the Superbowl no-fly zone.

UAV NewsHyundai Passenger Drones Need Urban Infrastructure: Urban Air Port® Air-One® is the eVTOL Operational Hub

A UK company called urban-Air Port aims to develop “the world’s smallest airport,” aa a “one stop shop for drones and eVTOL.” The company says, “We provide innovative ground infrastructure as a service for Future Air Mobility. An ultra-compact, rapidly deployable, multi-functional operations hub for manned and unmanned vehicles providing aircraft command and control, charging/refuelling, cargo and passenger loading, and other mission specific facilities.” Video: Urban airports: the future of urban aviation

FAA Could Improve Communication on UTM Programme

A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report recommends that the FAA provide more UTM information to stakeholders. The GAO says stakeholders need a better understanding of the timeline for planning purposes. Also, stakeholders would benefit from knowing the goals and metrics of the FAA plans for UTM testing and implementation. The GAO is recommending that FAA provide stakeholders with additional information on the timing and substance of UTM testing and implementation efforts using FAA’s UTM website or other appropriate means, and develop performance goals and measures for its UTM implementation plan.

What Secretary Pete’s confirmation means for drone regulation

Pete Buttigieg is the new Department of Transportation secretary and some are speculating if policy will change with regard to unmanned aircraft. As a previous mayor, Buttigieg embraced autonomous vehicle technology and drove initiatives to position South Bend as a testbed for drones and wireless technology.

Fit2Fly Aims to Make Future Drones Safe and Reliable

If drones flights are to become commonplace, they need to self-detect problems inflight. The NASA Fit2Fly program seeks to develop technologies for drones that allow this and transmit the situation to other drone operators.

The Legal Aspects of Banning Chinese Drone Technology

Last year, DJI donated at least 100 drones to more than 40 U.S. law enforcement and public safety departments. Against the background of the government issued warnings and even prohibitions against Chinese drones, some people are calling for federal inquiries into DJI’s drone giveaway. This article examines the issues.

60-mile-wide ‘no drone zone’ planned for Super Bowl Sunday; violators could face $30,000 fine

Restrictions for the 2021 Superbowl include a 30-mile radius “no drone zone” around the event. See https://www.faa.gov/superbowl/ for more information that applies to manned and unmanned aircraft.

UAV Video of the Week: 

Big Sur video shows what it’s like driving up to gaping hole in Hwy. 1 – and flying over it

Highway 1 in California was heavily damaged after recent rains. This aerial video from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office shows the extent of the destruction.

The Mars Helicopter Ingenuity travels to the Red Planet, UK Defence innovation criticized, Black Swift and GPS-denied navigation, online drone education, unmanned loyal wingman for the UK, Coke and Coffee drone promotion, and researching the impact of drones on ducks.

UAV News6 Things to Know About NASA’s Mars Helicopter on Its Way to Mars

NASA’s Perseverance rover is scheduled to land on Mars on Feb. 18, 2021. It’s carrying Ingenuity, the Mars Helicopter in what NASA calls it “a technology experiment.” If successful, it will be the first powered, controlled flight on Mars.

Video: NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter: Attempting the First Powered Flight on Mars

Theseus, Daedalus and Icarus

Wavell Room argues that “UK Defence is well behind the curve” with respect to its Project Theseus for autonomous resupply on the battlefield.

NOAA Awards Black Swift Technologies Contract to Develop GPS-Denied Navigation for Drones

Loss of positioning signal (like GPS or GNSS) is an urgent situation for a drone. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a contract to Black Swift Technologies. The company provides a commercially viable system that allows UAVs to navigate when GPS is not available. Black Swift plans to use a secondary navigation option with their diverse-source global positioning system (DS-GPS).

ODOT offers free online drone course

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is offering self-paced online courses for residents of Ohio. Sign up for the UAS Awareness Course or UAS Remote Pilot Certification Training at the ODOT website.

The United Kingdom Has Chosen Who Will Build Its First Prototype Loyal Wingman Combat Drone

The Royal Air Force says by 2023 they should have a prototype loyal wingman-type UAV flying. A $41 million contract for the prototype “uncrewed fighter aircraft” was awarded to Spirit AeroSystems as head of Project Mosquito. The drones would work together semi-autonomously with manned aircraft, such as the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35B Lightning, and the future Tempest stealth fighter.

Walmart perks up Coke promotion with drones

Coca-Cola has a new product line: Coca-Cola with Coffee. As part of the promotion, Coca-Cola and Walmart have teamed up where Walmart will provide drone-based home delivery to select consumers in Coffee County, Georgia through drone services provider DroneUp.

Duck count studies numbers and behavior with drones flying above them

University of North Dakota students and their student advisor have been counting duck pairs, recording nests, and studying how ducks react when a drone passes over them. The research project was performed last summer in the Missouri Coteau country of central North Dakota. Graduate student Mason Ryckman will use the findings in his master’s thesis, Protocols and Best Practices for Breeding Waterfowl Surveys Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Mentioned

Airplane Geeks podcast Episode 638 Geospatial Data for Airports, with guest Bob Vander Meer, vice president of business development for NV5 Geospatial.

A smart drone mailbox could be a solution to delivery concerns, an FAA waiver for automated drones, Quantum networks with unmanned aircraft, precision infrastructure inspection, using a drone to contact rescuers, keeping a 3-rotor quadcopter from crashing, and air taxi trials coming to Paris.

UAV NewsSmart Drone Mailbox Secures the Future of “Last Inch” Deliveries

A smart drone mailbox would address delivery issues such as porch pirates, excited pets, and inclement weather. They offer security, are accessible only to the recipient, and packages are shielded from the weather. Valqari and DRONEDEK are developers of smart drone mailboxes. Valqari CEO Ryan Walsh says, “The drone companies have been focused largely on all the innovative features of their drones, but if that innovation doesn’t create a safe, secure, and convenient experience for consumers, it will never be adopted.”

FAA Approves Automated Commercial DronesFAA approves American Robotics to fly its automated drone-in-a-box

American Robotics Inc. becomes the first company to get FAA approval for fully automated commercial flights. The Scout drones are housed in weather-proof base stations with autonomous charging and data transmission from aerial surveys. They fly along planned routes, limited to altitudes below 400 feet (122 meters) in rural areas, and have a maximum takeoff weight of 20 pounds (9 kilograms). The FAA Waiver is valid until January 31, 2023.

Using Drones to Create Local Quantum Networks

Researchers published a paper saying they have used drones to create a quantum network. Researchers put lasers on drones and the resulting photons were split into entangled pairs. One photon went to a ground station while the other went to another drone, was relayed to an additional drone, then sent to another ground station.

American Drone Company, Skyfish, Launches Advanced Autonomous Drone Technology Stack Designed for Precision Commercial Applications

Skyfish is an American drone company based in Montana with a Sony partnership. Their focus is on infrastructure inspection and measurement with survey-grade accuracy. The Skyfish M4 and the Skyfish M6 support a variety of payloads, including Lidar, methane detection, thermal, electro-optical, and custom payloads. The M4 is designed for photogrammetry and high-fidelity 3D reality models. The M6 drone is designed for heavier payloads and “environment-aware robotic interactions.” As DJI faces political hurdles, companies like Skyfish are trying to establish a toehold.

A Drone Saves The Day In An Unusual Way

Some stranded adventurers in Australia needed to get help. They had a mobile phone, no service, and a drone. So they typed a help message on the phone, attached it to the drone, and sent the drone up to where it had enough signal to send the message and summon help.

How to keep drones flying when a motor fails

Most quadcopters crash if one motor fails: the drone starts to spin and without very accurate position information, the controller cannot determine location. A GPS reference position can help, but GPS might not be available. Researchers at the University of Zurich and the Delft University of Technology say that a drone can be stabilized using onboard cameras.

Paris to launch ‘air taxi’ trials in June 2021

The series of trials are planned for a test area at an airfield about 16 miles north of Paris. Participating are the Choose Paris Region business group, airport operator Groupe ADP and Parisien rail operator RATP Group. The Paris Urban Air Mobility industry branch will investigate issues around parking, takeoff, and landing operations. All trials are being conducted in partnership with the French civil aviation authority and with the support of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Eurocontrol.

Events

Commercial UAV Expo Americas, September 7-9, Las Vegas

This event defines and showcases the global commercial UAV industry, with a special focus on solutions in the Americas region and a glimpse into the world of urban air mobility. It showed consistent growth for 5 straight years, with 3,100+ live attendees in 2019 – up 32% – and a record 200 exhibiting companies. It moves to a much larger space right on the Las Vegas Strip for 2021 and adds a collocated Urban Air Mobility Summit produced by RAI Amsterdam. Strictly commercial Expo by choice, it draws the power buyers and global influencers and sets the pace for the industry, with innovative formats, cutting-edge content, and unmatched excitement on the expo floor. It is a must-attend event and will convene delegates and exhibitors from 6 continents.

Commercial UAV Expo Europe, December 7-9 Amsterdam

After powering forward with nearly 80% growth in its third year (1,150+ attendees from 65 nations) in 2019, the LIVE show returns to Amsterdam and co-locates with Amsterdam Drone Week for 2021. This leading pan-European conference and expo [is] focused on commercial drones will convene top UAV experts and buyers from all key vertical markets, from across the globe. The 1,500+ attendees and 100+ exhibitors will be part of Amsterdam Drone Week’s total audience of 4,000+ including delegates to the EASA high-level European summit.

Boeing settles the Insitu lawsuit; Intel neuromorphic chips in drones; betting on drone races; connected drone delivery from Verizon, UPS, and Skyward; and new drones from Cadillac, Sony, and Autel Robotics.

UAV NewsBoeing to pay $25 Million to settle Insitu Lawsuit

In a federal whistle-blower lawsuit, Insitu was accused of fraudulently overcharging the U.S. government. Surveillance drones were sold to the government and billed as new, but Insitu provided used drones. This was on no-bid military contracts that were signed between 2009 and 2017. The Department of Justice accused Insitu of “knowingly submitting materially false cost and pricing data” for contracts to supply surveillance drones to both the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and the Navy. Insitu said in a statement that “our disclosures to the government at the time satisfied all requirements.” The company does not admit any wrongdoing.

Intel envisions drones with biological brains and eyes

Intel is installing neuromorphic chips into drones. The “Loihi” chip has 2 billion transistors which simulate 130,000 neurons and 130 million synapses. Intel is initially applying neuromorphic technology to drone cameras. The hope is that Loihi will allow cameras to function more like natural eyes, responding almost instantly to visual change.

DraftKings announces it will now allow betting on drone races in some states

Sports betting company DraftKings has teamed up with the Drone Racing League (DRL). Betting on the races will be allowed for residents of Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Regulatory approval is pending for other states.

News from CES 2021The Cadillac personal drone is the Cadillac of personal drones

The Cadillac-branded single-seat eVTOL is a concept study featuring a 90-kilowatt hour electric motor powering four rotors.

Sony offers first glimpse of its Airpeak drone that can carry an Alpha camera on an adjustable gimbal and capture footage and images from the air

The Sony Airpeak quadcopter was designed to carry the Sony Alpha mirrorless camera system. Two landing gear extensions retract upwards during flight. Price and availability were not announced.

Airpeak will support the creativity of video creators to the fullest extent possible, aiming to contribute to the further development of the entertainment industry as well as to improved efficiency and savings in various industries.Sony statement.Verizon, UPS, and Skyward announce connected drone delivery at CES 2021

The collaboration between Skyward, A Verizon company, and UPS Flight Forward™ plans to deliver retail products with drones connected to Verizon 4G LTE. 5G testing and integration will also be conducted. Deliveries of retail products via connected drones will start at The Villages in Florida.

Video: Building the New Smart City | CES 2021 | Verizon

Verizon at CES 2021

Autel Robotics releases the new Dragonfish VTOL and EVO 2 RTK series at CES

Autel Robotics released two new drones at CES. The Dragonfish VTOL has autonomous capability, a maximum flight time of 120 minutes, an 18.6-mile video transmission range, and a deployment time of under four minutes. The EVO 2 RTK series drones use Real-Time Kinematic technology to improve the accuracy of GNSS data, allowing sub-inch accuracy.

Videos of the Week

Drone Captures Stunning Scenes After Snowstorm Hits Central Idaho

Breathtaking aerial video of Washington’s snowy mountains

A Walmart drone delivery hub is coming to Arkansas, researchers create bio-composite drone parts, a UAV for cloud seeding, Alphabet’s Wing isn’t happy with the remote ID rule, the “Uber of Drones” receives funding, and a 19-year-old with a drone led rescuers to four lost fishermen.

UAV NewsWalmart Drone Delivery Hub: Never Heard of Pea Ridge, AR? You Have Now

Pending approval of the Planning Commissioners, Pea Ridge, Arkansas will be the site of a Walmart drone delivery hub that will see drone delivery trials by Zipline International in partnership with Walmart.

Zipline will operate from a Walmart store and can service a 50-mile radius, which is about the size of the state of Connecticut. And, not only does their launch and release system allow for quick on-demand delivery in under an hour, but it also eliminates carbon emissions, which lines up perfectly with our sustainability goals. The operation will likely begin early next year [2021], and, if successful, we’ll look to expand.Walmart SVP of Consumer Product, Tom Ward

Zipline says that they will open the facility for tours and STEM opportunities for local students.  

Malaysian team turns pineapple waste into disposable drone parts

Researchers at Malaysia’s Putra University have created drone parts (such as frames) using fiber from discarded pineapple leaves to make a bio-composite material. These have a greater strength-to-weight ratio than other composites and will biodegrade when discarded. The bio-composite components would create income for farmers.

China deploys large UAV for ecological protection in GansuChina uses Wing Loong II variant for weather modification work

Western China is arid and some would like to see a little more precipitation. Now China’s official news agency Xinhua reports that the Ganlin-1 UAV is equipped to allow cloud seeding for weather modification. The Ganlin-1 (Chinese for “sweet rain”) is a variant of the AVIC Wing Loong II UAV.

Privacy nightmare? FAA’s drone tracking rules have big consequences

At the end of December, 2020, the FAA announced final rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), including rules for remote identification. But Alphabet’s Wing team has an issue.

At a basic level, the new rule would enable the real-time tracking of consumer’s drone delivery orders by the general public.Wing public affairs spokesperson

And we see this:

Unfortunately, the final rule, unlike existing international standards, does not allow the use of equally effective network remote ID, and requires all UAS, no matter the use case, to use “broadcast” RID. This approach creates barriers to compliance and will have unintended negative privacy impacts for businesses and consumers. Unlike traditional aircraft flying between known airports, commercial drones fly closer to communities and between businesses and homes. While an observer tracking an airplane can’t infer much about the individuals or cargo on board, an observer tracking a drone can infer sensitive information about specific users, including where they visit, spend time, and live and where customers receive packages from and when. American communities would not accept this type of surveillance of their deliveries or taxi trips on the road. They should not accept it in the sky.Wing blog post

Wing asks for network-based RID for some use cases, especially delivery.

Op-Ed: Brian Wynne and Kevin Burke on Remote Identification for Unmanned Systems

AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne, and Kevin Burke, President and CEO of Airports Council International, North America (ACI-NA) published a joint op-ed praising the FAA for the new rule.

‘Uber for drones’ scores fresh funds from Nightingale

Sydney-based Aerologix wants to connect drone pilots with people who need drone imaging. The company received a $1.5 million investment from Nightingale Partners and they say they’ve “been approached by Qantas, Jetstar, and even airlines in the Middle East. These pilots have all these skills and all they have to do is complete a half-day course to become a drone pilot.”

Armed with drone, 19-year-old rescues 4 drowning fishermen off Kerala coast

A fishing boat was missing off the coast of India and a 19-year-old engineering student approached rescue workers, but he was rebuffed. A local legislator intervened and the student was allowed to bring his drone on a rescue boat. After 20 minutes he found one man clinging to a log from the capsized boat. In the end, four fishermen were rescued.

UAV Video of the Week

Watch a wild lava ‘dome fountain’ gush at Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano

Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano started erupting in 2020. The United States Geological Survey has released a video of the lava dome fountain that formed.

The FAA has issued final rules for small unmanned aircraft remote ID and flight over people. Those are important steps in integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. This episode provides summaries of the rules and describes how they are different from the previously proposed rules.

Final Rule on Remote ID of Unmanned Aircraft

There are three options for unmanned aircraft (UA): Standard Remote ID with broadcast directly from the UA, a Remote ID Broadcast Module as a separate broadcast device on the UA, and FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA) where UAs without Remote ID can fly.

Option 1: Standard Remote ID

• Broadcasts remote ID messages directly from the UA via radio frequency broadcast (likely Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology)
• The broadcast will be compatible with existing personal wireless devices.
• Standard Remote ID message includes:
• UA ID (serial number of UA or session ID);
• Latitude/longitude, altitude, and velocity of UA;
• Latitude/longitude and altitude of the Control Station; 
• Emergency status; 
• A time mark.
• Remote ID message will be available to most personal wireless devices within range of the broadcast
• However, correlating the serial number or session ID with the registration database will be limited to the FAA and can be made available to authorized law enforcement and national security personnel upon request.
• The range of the remote ID broadcast may vary, as each UA must be designed to maximize the range at which the broadcast can be received.

Option 2: UA w/ Remote ID Broadcast Module

• Broadcast Module may be a separate device that is attached to an unmanned aircraft, or a feature built into the aircraft.
• Enables retrofit for existing UA, and Broadcast Module serial number must be entered into the registration record for the unmanned aircraft.
• Broadcast Module Remote ID message includes:
• Serial number of the module;
• Latitude/longitude, altitude, and velocity of UA;
• Latitude/longitude and altitude of the take-off location, and time mark.
• UA remotely identifying with a Broadcast Module must be operated within visual line of sight at all times.
• Broadcast Module to broadcast via radio frequency (likely Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology).
• Compatibility with personal wireless devices and range of the Remote ID Broadcast Module message similar to Standard Remote ID UA.

Option 3: FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA)

• Geographic areas recognized by the FAA where unmanned aircraft not equipped with Remote ID are allowed to fly.
• Organizations eligible to apply for the establishment of an FRIA include community-based organizations recognized by the Administrator, primary and secondary educational institutions, trade schools, colleges, and universities.
• Must operate within visual line of sight and only within the boundaries of an FRIA.
• The FAA will begin accepting applications for FRIAs 18 months after the effective date of the rule, and applications may be submitted at any time after that.
• FRIA authorizations will be valid for 48 months, may be renewed, and may be terminated by the FAA for safety or security reasons.  

Design and Production Rules for Manufacturers

• Most unmanned aircraft must be produced as Standard Remote ID Unmanned Aircraft and meet the requirements of this rule beginning 18 months after the effective date of the rule.
• Remote ID Broadcast modules must be produced to meet the requirements of the rule before they can be used.
• The final rule establishes minimum performance requirements describing the desired outcomes, goals, and results for remote identification without establishing a specific means or process.
• A person designing or producing a standard UA or broadcast module must show that the UA or broadcast module met the performance requirements of the rule by following an FAA-accepted means of compliance.
• Under the rule, anyone can create a means of compliance. However, the FAA must accept that means of compliance before it can be used for the design or production of any standard remote identification UA or remote identification broadcast module.
• FAA encourages consensus standards bodies to develop means of compliance and submit them to the FAA for acceptance.
• Highlights of Standard Remote ID UA Performance Requirements:
• UA must self-test so UA cannot takeoff if Remote ID is not functioning
• Remote ID cannot be disabled by the operator
• Remote ID Broadcast must be sent over unlicensed Radio Frequency spectrum (receivable by personal wireless devices, ex: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)
• Standard Remote ID UA and Remote ID Broadcast Modules must be designed to maximize the range at which the broadcast can be received.  

Other Provisions in the Remote ID Final Rule

• No Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out or Air Traffic Control (ATC) Transponders
• However, ADS-B Out & ATC transponder authorization is likely for large UAS operating in controlled airspace.
• Operators can seek special authorization to operate UA without remote identification for the purpose of aeronautical research or to show compliance with regulations.
• UA registered in a foreign country can be operated in the United States only if the operator files a notice of identification with the FAA.

Major Changes from Proposed Rule to Final Remote ID Rule

• Network-based / Internet transmission requirements have been eliminated. The final rule contains Broadcast-only requirements. 
• UAS operators under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations may continue to register with the FAA once, rather than registering each aircraft. However, each Standard UA or Broadcast Module serial number must also be entered into the registration record for the unmanned aircraft.
• “Limited Remote ID UAS” has been eliminated and replaced with Remote ID Broadcast Module requirements to enable existing UA to comply. 
• FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) applications may be submitted to the FAA beginning 18 months after the effective date of the rule, and applications may be submitted at any time after that.
• Educational institutions may now apply for FRIAs as well as community-based organizations.

Final Rule on Operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Over People

The final rule allows routine operations over people and routine operations at night under certain circumstances. The rule will eliminate the need for those operations to receive individual Part 107 waivers from the FAA.

The final rule establishes four new categories of small unmanned aircraft for routine operations over people. It also allows for routine operations over moving vehicles.

Category 1

• Eligible small unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 0.55 pounds and contain no exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin.
• Operations over people:
• No exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin.
• Operation prohibited in sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets the requirements for standard remote identification or remote identification broadcast modules established in the Remote ID Final Rule.

Category 2

• Eligible small unmanned aircraft must not cause injury to a human being that is equivalent to or greater than the severity of injury caused by a transfer of 11 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from a rigid object, 
• Does not contain any exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being, 
• Does not contain any safety defects. 
• Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance and FAA-accepted declaration of compliance.
• Operations over people:
• No operation in sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets the requirements for standard remote identification or remote identification broadcast modules established in the Remote ID Final Rule.
• Requires means of compliance and declaration of compliance by the applicant.

Category 3 

• Eligible small unmanned aircraft must not cause injury to a human being that is equivalent to or greater than the severity of injury caused by a transfer of 25 foot-pounds of kinetic energy upon impact from a rigid object, 
• Does not contain any exposed rotating parts that could lacerate human skin upon impact with a human being, 
• Does not contain any safety defects. 
• Requires FAA-accepted means of compliance and FAA-accepted declaration of compliance.
• Operations over people:
• No operation over open-air assemblies of human beings.
• May only operate if one of the following conditions met:
• The operation is within or over a closed- or restricted-access site and all human beings located within the site must be on notice that a small unmanned aircraft may fly over them
• The UA does not maintain sustained flight over any human being unless that human being is directly participating in the operation of the small UA; or located under a covered structure or inside a stationary vehicle that can provide reasonable protection from a falling small unmanned aircraft.

Category 4 

• Eligible small unmanned aircraft must have an airworthiness certificate issued under Part 21 of FAA regulations. 
• Must be operated in accordance with the operating limitations specified in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. 
• The operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings.
• Must have maintenance, preventive maintenance, alterations, or inspections performed in accordance with specific requirements in the final rule.
• Operations over people:
• No sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets the requirements of standard remote identification or remote identification broadcast modules established in the Remote ID Final Rule.

Operations at night 

• Remote pilots in command must complete either the updated initial test or the updated recurrent online training.
• The small UA must be equipped with operational anti-collision lights that can be seen for 3 statute miles and have a flash rate sufficient to avoid a collision. 

Operations over moving vehicles

• Must be Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3, eligible to operate over people, may not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles; transit operations only.
• Throughout the operation, the small unmanned aircraft:
• Must remain within or over a closed- or restricted-access site, and all human beings located inside a moving vehicle within the closed- or restricted-access site must be on notice that a small unmanned aircraft may fly over them; 
• Or must not maintain sustained flight over moving vehicles.
• For a Category 4 operation, the small UA must
• Have an airworthiness certificate issued under part 21.
• Be operated in accordance with the operating limitations specified in the approved Flight Manual or as otherwise specified by the Administrator. 
• The operating limitations must not prohibit operations over human beings located inside moving vehicles.

Remote Pilot knowledge test changes

• The final rule updates the initial Remote Pilot knowledge test to include night subject areas. 
• The final rule replaces the requirement to complete an in-person recurrent test every 24 calendar months. The updated requirement is for remote pilots to complete online recurrent training which will include night subject areas. 
• The online recurrent training will be offered free of charge to remote pilots.  

Inspection, testing, and demonstration of compliance

• A remote pilot in command, owner, or person manipulating the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system must:
• Have in that person’s physical possession the remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating and identification
• Present his certificate and identification upon a request from the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or any Federal, state, or local law enforcement officer.
• Make available, upon request, to the FAA any document, record, or report required to be kept under FAA regulations.
• Upon request, must allow the FAA to test or inspect the small unmanned aircraft system, the remote pilot in command, the person manipulating the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system, and, if applicable, the visual observer to determine compliance with the rule.  

Design and Production Rules for Manufacturers

• Some existing Category 1 small unmanned aircraft may meet the performance-based requirements to be eligible for Category 1 operations over people of this rule beginning the effective date of the rule (Those that have already been produced with propeller guards/shrouds that prevent the blades from causing laceration to human skin upon impact).
• Manufacturers may bring to market retrofit propeller guards to install on existing small unmanned aircraft to make them eligible for Category 1 operations over people beginning after effective date of this rule.
• Some existing small unmanned aircraft may meet the performance-based requirements to be eligible for Category 2 operations over people of this rule once FAA-accepted MOC and DOC are received.
• Small unmanned aircraft may meet the performance-based requirements for Category 2 of this rule upon FAA-Accepted MOC/DOC 9-12 months after the effective date of this rule.
• Small unmanned aircraft may meet the performance-based requirements for Category 3 of this rule upon FAA-Accepted MOC/DOC 9-12 months after the effective date of this rule.
• Category 4 small unmanned aircraft for operations over people may receive an airworthiness certificate beginning 6-12 months after the effective date of this rule.  

Major Changes from Proposed Rule to Final Rule

• Category 1 small unmanned aircraft cannot have any exposed rotating parts that would lacerate human skin.
• Category 1, Category 2, and Category 4 [sic] remote pilots are prohibited from operating a small unmanned aircraft in sustained flight over open-air assemblies unless the operation meets the requirements of standard remote identification or remote identification broadcast modules established in the Remote ID Final Rule.
• Added a Category 4 of small unmanned aircraft that may be eligible for operations over people and moving vehicles.
• Allow operations over moving vehicles.
• Remote pilot, owner, or person manipulating the controls must have in their physical possession and readily available their remote pilot certificate.

References

Press Release – U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Two Much-Anticipated Drone Rules to Advance Safety and Innovation in the United States

Remote ID Executive Summary

Remote ID Final Rule

Operations Over People Executive Summary

Operations Over People Final Rule