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

A $1B counter-UAS contract, Kittyhawk air mobility, sports game halted, no recreational drones in UAE, medical deliveries in the Navajo Nation, locating pets after a disaster, peeking at volcanos, an unidentified drone spotted, and a drone research contract at a UAS test site.

UAV NewsUS Special Ops Command Awards $1B Counter-Drone Contract

Anduril Industries has won a 10-year, $1 billion counter-UAS integration contract. Awarded by US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), Anduril is to “deliver, advance, and sustain” counter-UAS sensors and systems in a layered configuration. Anduril’s cUAS Lattice system includes a solar-powered Sentry Tower with sensors and the Anvil sUAS, all running on the Lattice operating system. The system “autonomously detects, classifies, and tracks targets, alerting operators to threats and allowing options for mitigation or engagement.”

A Larry Page-backed drone guru expects you to be a future passenger. Here’s why

Larry Page funded Kittyhawk and picked up a portion of 3D Robotics, co-founded by Chris Anderson, now the Kittyhawk COO. Kittyhawk pivoted from air mobility with a pilot to pilotless.

I am a drone guy, and this was the perfect, obvious next chapter, just bigger drones and the use case is so much more obvious, moving people from A to B more quickly and as cheaply as a car is the kind of mission I can get behind. On the tech side, there is no reason we can’t move a significant fraction of people off the roads and into the sky.Chris AndersonPremier League clash between Brentford and Wolves halted for 19 minutes due to a DRONE hovering over the west London stadium

Play of the English Premier League was halted due to an “unofficial drone” flying over the field. Both teams returned to the dressing rooms while a helicopter was used to try and shoo the drone away.

UAE bans flying of recreational drones after fatal attack

Recreational drones and light sport aircraft have been banned in the United Arab Emirates. This follows a fatal drone attack on an oil facility and a major airport. Also, some people were flying drones outside the area of their permits, often into areas where drones are prohibited. The penalty for violating the ban is heavy: Six months in jail and Dh100,000 fine for flying drones in the UAE, prosecutors says.

Navajo Nation to use drones to deliver medical supplies

The “Healing Eagle Feather” project is a partnership between MissionGo and the Navajo Nation to deliver medical supplies and other essentials with drones to people in remote areas. Cargo includes insulin kits, prepackaged meals, large animal medicine, emergency communication devices, and anti-venom. In Episode 375 we talked with MissionGO’s Frank Paskiewicz, EVP of Cargo Operations, and Ryan Henderson, Lead Pilot.

Drones for Animal Rescue: Doug Thron Flies Around the World, Saving Pets and Wildlife After Natural Disasters

Douglas Thron is a photographer and drone pilot who travels to natural disasters and conducts animal rescues. He uses a Matrice 210 V2 drone with a FLIR XT2 camera and has found and rescued distressed animals around the world. The HBO Max TV show “Doug to the Rescue” chronicles the rescues.

Volcano-observing Drone Flights Open Door to Routine Hazard Monitoring

Under a long-term collaboration between NASA and Black Swift Technologies, the S2 UAS flew over the Makushin Volcano in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. The U.S. Geological Survey provided a payload that detects gases and collects visual and thermal images. The S2 fixed-wing drone is designed to carry scientific payloads in demanding atmospheric conditions.

Pilot Video And FAA Interview Reveal Bizarre Encounter With Unidentified Aircraft Over Atlantic City

An Air Force pilot flying a Diamond DA40 observed a strange drone above Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 16th, 2018. The KC-135 aerial refueling tanker pilot said the drone followed his aircraft.

Video: Unidentified Aircraft Encounter Over Atlantic City 9/16/18 Air-To-Air Video

FAA awards contracts for drone research at Grand Sky

More than $2 million was awarded to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Appareo Systems LLC. GA-ASI will focus on detect-and-avoid technology while Appareo will examine how radio signals function at different altitudes and in different environments. They’ll also conduct research to evaluate the use of LTE cellular networks for unmanned aircraft. The companies will work in conjunction with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, near Grand Forks Air Force Base.

UAV Video of the Week

Video: MONSTER WAIMEA BAY (part one) Heavy Carnage

Video: MONSTER WAIMEA BAY (part two) Taming The Beast

A partnership for hydrogen drones and another partnership for maritime drone deliveries, Lithium-Air batteries, drones attacking U.S. troops, flying a drone over a school, UPS commitment to delivery drones, flying in the fog, and how to save a dog with a drone.

UAV NewsSoCalGas to deploy Doosan hydrogen drones in pipeline inspections

At this year’s CES, Southern California Gas Co. announced a partnership with Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) and GTI to launch a hydrogen drone demonstration. DMI will be demonstrating their DS30 octocopter drone system that uses a DMI hydrogen fuel cell powerpack for up to 120 minutes of flight time. The DS30 can carry an 11-pound maximum payload and monitor a 1-mile-long pipeline in a single flight. SoCalGas plans to use the DS30 drone for natural gas pipeline inspections. 

Zero CO2 Emissions Drone Delivery with Sky-Drones Technologies

Sky-Drones Technologies and F-Drones are partnering to provide maritime deliveries. F-Drones Focuses on deliveries between shore, ships, and offshore platforms. They use electric autonomous VTOLs. Sky-Drones Technologies offers hardware and software for flight control, ground control, communication systems, and a cloud-based management platform. With Sky-Drones’ technology, F-Drones can relay, record, and replay live video footage from their VTOLs.

Video: SmartAP AIRLink – How it’s made

Scientists Design Lithium-air Batteries for Commercial Use in EVs, Drones

Lithium-ion batteries are nice but don’t have the energy density we’d like. On the other hand, Lithium-air batteries could have two to five times the energy density. The development of rechargeable Li-air batteries has progressed, but the study of their operation in real-world applications is lacking.

A shadowy drone force keeps attacking US troops

American troops in Iraq have been attacked with drones three times this year. All drones were shot down during attacks near Baghdad airport and near an airbase. Small drones have been used in other attacks, including in Syria, Iraq, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia.

Policy addresses drones over school property

The Wilkes North Carolina school board has a new policy for flying drones over school property. It requires a written request for permission submitted to the superintendent or his designee at least three days in advance. Names and contact information for anyone connected with the flight are required, as well as proof of insurance coverage, proof of any required FAA permits, proof of any required N.C. Department of Transportation permit, and a detailed flight plan with a specific time and location.

UPS unlikely to revise use of drones in deliveries, despite CEO’s quasi ‘meh’ assessment

At an American Chamber of Commerce event, UPS CEO Carol Tomé said, “You can’t fly [drones] when it’s windy. You can’t fly them when it’s rainy. There are lots of issues with drones.” So is UPS toning down expectations? The article suggests this is more a “matter of UPS recalibrating rather than repudiating its use of [drones].”

Wait, why is NASA flying drones in dense fog?

NASA is flying drones in the fog because AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) aircraft will need to fly in the fog. At a special New Mexico facility, a 180-foot long fog chamber is fitted with the same types of sensors to be used for AAM aircraft, like optical and infrared cameras, radar, and LiDAR. A drone test target is at the other end of the chamber. NASA says it will release the data to companies and researchers working on sensors for AAM vehicles.

Stranded dog saved from rising tide after rescuers attach sausage to drone

Little Millie likes to wander off and she found her way onto some mudflats. The tide was coming in and the authorities couldn’t coax her to safety. So they cooked up some sausage, dangled it from a drone, and got Millie to follow it off the flats. Then she ran off again, this time inland, but was eventually found again and reunited with her owner who said, “Millie really likes food and she’ll eat anything you give her … raw carrots, cucumber – but she much prefers sausages. Meat is her favourite food, so dangling a sausage was probably the best thing they could lure her with.”

What the eVTOL industry can learn from helicopters, a counter-unmanned aircraft missile/drone, a birthday drone light show, saving lives with a drone, fused sensor data across manned and unmanned aircraft, and getting the most from the DJI Mavic 3 drone.

UAV News5 Lessons eVTOL Can Learn from Legacy Helicopter Airlines

We see what the emerging eVTOL industry can learn from the history of helicopter airlines: safety first, encouraging public acceptance, keeping a critical eye on operating costs, maintaining tight routes, and including the first and last mile.

Dog owner spends nearly $16K on drones to celebrate pooch’s birthday

A woman in China hired 520 drones to spell out “Happy 10th birthday to Doudou” for her dog. The drone light show featured a birthday cake and a jack-in-a-box-like present. Authorities said they would have shot down the drones if they had seen them.

This Footage Of Jet-Powered Coyote Drones Obliterating Other Drones Is Incredible

Raytheon Missiles & Defense released a video showing Coyote missiles launched from a truck and taking out different fixed-wing drones. In partnership with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Fires and Rapid Capabilities Office, the tests used precision targeting radar and mobile sensing radar to detect and defeat drones of varying size and range. Raytheon says the Coyote 2s have a “dogfight-type of capability” and are capable of engaging highly maneuverable targets.

Video: Raytheon Missiles & Defense proves counter-UAS effectiveness against enemy drones

Drone helps save cardiac arrest patient in Sweden

A 71-year-old man suffered a cardiac arrest while shoveling snow in Sweden. Everdrone dispatched an autonomous drone with an Automated External Defibrillator. It arrived within 3 minutes and a doctor on the scene used the defibrillator at the man’s house – all this before the ambulance arrived.

Video: Everdrone’s emergency medical delivery service in action in Sweden

Two GA-ASI Avengers Equipped with Lockheed Martin Legion Pods Autonomously Send Fused Air Threat Data to Command Center

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has demonstrated sending fused sensor data to a command center. The long-range air threat data was captured passively by two Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft Systems and fused by an advanced sensor algorithm. The Avengers were each equipped with a Lockheed Martin Legion Pod®. GA-ASI Senior Director of Advanced Programs Michael Atwood said, “Avenger with Legion Pod demonstrates how collaborative autonomous platforms with advanced sensing can deliver persistent, shared air domain awareness.”

Video: Legion Pod Flies on F-16

28 MUST KNOW Tips & Settings for DJI Mavic 3

Dan from DansTube.TV recently created a tips and settings video for the DJI Mavic 3, a professional-grade cinematic drone with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and 28x hybrid zoom.

Video: 28 MUST KNOW Tips & Settings for DJI Mavic 3

UAV Video of the Week

Drone that can fly and swim unveiled

Developed by telecom company KDDI, the drone floats on water and releases a second, underwater drone from its belly cage. The underwater drone can survey fish and shellfish farms or perform infrastructure inspection of facilities such as dams.

Video: Drone that can fly and swim unveiled

RaceDayQuads v. FAA and the Remote ID rule, drones for law enforcement and telehealth, Russian attack drones and drones that recharge from power lines, a DARPA program for underwater drones, and finding lost hikers.

UAV NewsD.C. Circuit May Blow Up the Remote Identification Rule for Drones

Oral arguments were heard in the RaceDayQuads v. FAA case where the FAA’s remote identification (RID) rule is being challenged.

In brief, the RID rule applies to small drones (0.55-55 lbs) which would broadcast a “digital license plate” over WiFi and/or Bluetooth with a unique identifier, position, altitude, velocity, control station coordinates, and other “message elements.” The broadcast would be openly accessible by anyone. 

This RID capability must be either hardwired into the drone (Standard Remote ID) or attached externally in the form of a module (Broadcast Module RID or BMID). Drones without RID can only fly in FAA-recognized identification areas (FRIAs) under the purview of community-based organizations and educational institutions.

Manufacturers have until September 2022 to comply. Drone operators have until September 2023 to comply.

RaceDayQuads (RDQ) is a large online retailer that supports first-person view (FPV) drone-racing customers. RDQ’s co-founder and CEO, Tyler Brennan said he seeks “to protect the constitutional rights of U.S. citizens to be free from unreasonable searches from the government when they are flying in their own backyards.” RDQ alleges that:

• The rule is a violation of the Fourth Amendment because it allows warrantless tracking in a backyard.
• The FAA arbitrarily and capriciously relied on undisclosed ex parte communications during the rulemaking process.
• The final rule was not a logical outgrowth from the NPRM.
• The FAA failed to comply with a legal mandate to consult with Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
• The FAA failed to address significant public comments as required by the Administrative Procedure Act. 

For its part, the Government contends:

• Merely requiring RID technology onboard a drone does not equate to an unreasonable search. 
• Planes flying in public view do not give rise to a reasonable expectation of privacy.
• Even if the rule did violate the Fourth Amendment, the special needs exception would legally justify it.

A ruling is likely to come sometime in early 2022. 

Autonomous drones to respond to gunshots in new policing system

US company ShotSpotter and Israel-based Airobotics are teaming to provide Israeli law enforcement agencies with a system that detects and locates gunfire, alerts the police, and provides live drone video footage and stills of the scene. ShotSpotter would identify and locate the sound of gunshots with a network of acoustic sensors. Airobotics would deploy its autonomous drones to the ShotSpotter coordinates.

Special Delivery: Drones bring the doctor to you: Medicine’s next big thing?

Manish Kumar, Ph.D., Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati says, “We are building a telehealth drone that will have the ability to go inside people’s homes.” Engineers are designing and testing a system with sensors that allow the drones to maneuver through a front door and into a patient’s living room. Patients would connect with a doctor for a telehealth appointment. A medical kit on the drone would be used to measure and transmit health information.

Russian Orion Drone Downs Unmanned Copter

In a video, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) shows an Orion reconnaissance and attack drone that fired an air-to-air missile and destroyed a hovering unmanned helicopter. The drone is also to be fitted with an electronic warfare suite “to defend itself against missiles…and to suppress any enemy systems in the interests of other units on the battlefield.” 

Video: Первое применение беспилотника «Орион» по воздушной цели

Russia Developing Drones Chargeable From Power Lines

The drone clamps onto a power line and charges its battery. While charging, the camera is operational and the drone adjusts its position. After it’s charged up, the current clamp disconnects, and the drone flies away. This comes from the Tyumen Higher Military Engineering Command School.

These New Underwater Drones Made By DARPA Take Inspiration From Manta Rays

DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, awarded Phase 2 contracts to prime contractors Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and Martin Defense Group. Each is developing full-scale demonstration vehicles for the Manta Ray program.

Video: Manta Ray – Breaking the UUV mold

Virginia fire department finds lost hikers via drones on Christmas

Two hikers were reported missing on Christmas at Sharp Top Mountain near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The Bedford (Virginia) Fire Department was dispatched to find the hikers. They set up a command post, launched a drone that found the hikers, and sent in rescuers to guide them out.

Measuring kinetic energy to certify drone flights over people, additional funding for Dedrone, documenting endangered heritage sites, Italian heavy-lift multirotors, testing the MQ-25 refueling drone on an aircraft carrier, defining the “next” Reaper, an FAA grant for UAS training, and Navy harassment by drone swarms.

UAV NewsTest methods for drones help put a crucial rule for safe flights over people into practice

To certify drones for flight over people, the FAA links injury severity to kinetic energy. But the classic calculation of kinetic energy using mass and velocity makes some assumptions that aren’t applicable to a drone hitting a human head. So the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) along with the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics developed a testing methodology for the actual kinetic energy from a drone impact.

Dedrone Secures $30.5 Million Series C to Protect Airspace Against Unauthorized DronesAxon Invests in Dedrone: Partnership Between Public Safety and Counter Drone Technologies

Airspace security company Dedrone closed a $30.5 million Series C financing round led by Axon and including previous investors. Dedrone sold over 1,000 sensors in the past year that detect, identify, and locate over 200 different types of drones. Customers include more than 65 critical infrastructures, 50 correctional facilities, 20 airports, 10 Fortune 500 companies, and four of the seven G-7 nations.

Using drones to capture coastal heritage before it’s lost

The Seaford Head Project wants to assess and record the archeology of Seaford Head before it is lost to coastal erosion. They are developing ways to quickly assess the situation and record the data, including using drones to survey the site and create 3D models. The project intends to create a template that can be replicated for other heritage agencies, landowners, and community groups.

Two Italian heavy-lift drones deliver 52 kg of cargo in Turin

Italian company FlyingBasket flew two FB3 drones, each carrying 26 kg (57 lb) of cargo, from a postal center to a destination 3.9 km (2.4 miles) away, then returned to the postal center. For the demonstration, FlyingBasket partnered with Leonardo and the Italian postal service. The FB3 drones were flown mainly over the Stura di Lanzo river. One FB3 carried its load in an internal compartment, while the other in a sling hung on a hook.

MQ-25 winds up deck handling tests on US aircraft carrier

The MQ-25 Stingray UAV has been tested by Boeing and the US Navy on an aircraft carrier to assess deck handling characteristics. The MQ-25 is intended for air-to-air refueling missions. The MQ-25 taxied, connected to catapults, cleared the landing area, and practiced parking. The USN has plans for initial operational capability by 2024 and to purchase as many as 76 aircraft.

Promotional video from Boeing: MQ-25 Completes First U.S. Navy Carrier Tests

“MQ-Next”: The U.S. Air Force’s Plan for an Unmanned Aircraft

The Air Force is developing a plan for the MQ-9 Reaper replacement aircraft, called “MQ-Next.” It might not look like the MQ-9 – perhaps smaller, stealthier, and more lethal. The MQ-Next might operate in swarms and will likely be networked with manned-unmanned teaming. It’s not expected to be operational until 2031 so there is plenty of time to define the requirements.

Flying high: FAA funds NMC’s high school drone education program

Northwestern Michigan College received a $90,000 grant from the FAA. Forty high school teachers will be trained on the fundamentals of Unmanned Aerial Systems. Each teacher will receive a multi-rotor drone to use with their own students. Congress appropriated $5 million to the FAA to grant projects like this. The grant builds on NMC’s selection in 2020 under the UAS Collegiate Training Program.

Harassment Of Navy Destroyers By Mysterious Drone Swarms Off California Went On For Weeks

This occurred in 2019, but new details are emerging after examining documents released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The sightings occurred throughout July 2019. Drone countermeasure teams were activated and in one event, at least three ships observed multiple drones. The destroyer USS Paul Hamilton made abrupt changes in direction, and the drone followed it. Counter UAS exercises were executed

UAV Video of the Week

Jaybyrdfilms’ insane drone video inside live baseball workout

Guided cargo delivery drone from Silent Arrow, the best cities for flying a drone, bringing power to those without, sailing the Gulf Stream, an airline plans for drone delivery, protecting the Pope from rogue drones, and DJI end of support.

UAV NewsThese gliding drones could deliver supplies from Air Force planes to the battlefield

Drone maker Silent Arrow® has won a contract from the Air Force for 15 “Precision Guided Cargo Delivery Drones.” In this Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) Phase II contract, the GD-2000 (Glider, Disposable, 2000 pounds) platform will be scaled down and called the Silent Arrow Precision Guided Bundle (SA-PGB). Initially developed as an autonomous cargo delivery glider, it will be designed for side door and multi-unit (swarm) ramp deployment. The SA-PGB will be compatible with a fleet of delivery aircraft.

The best cities for flying a drone (and one you should definitely avoid)

This article provides information about cities with drone-friendly areas and photographic views. Most locations are in unrestricted Class G airspace. The best: Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Chicago, IL, Bar Harbor, ME, Houston, TX.

Power drones: Toyota supplier tries novel fix to disaster outages

Japanese automotive supplier Aisan has a concept for a disaster relief drone that could deliver power to areas that are cut off from the grid. The gasolene-powered engine would charge a battery that could power lights and recharge phones.

Three ocean drones launched from Newport; will spend six months gathering data from Gulf Stream

The uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) have been sent on a mission to sail through the Gulf Stream. The Saildrone vehicles will spend six months collecting data to assist weather forecasting and carbon accounting. This effort is led by the University of Rhode Island (URI) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). It’s funded by a grant from the Google.org Impact Challenge on Climate. The Saildrones are designed to survive harsh weather conditions that crewed ships could not.

SpiceJet plans drone delivery service for medical and essential supplies in remote areas

Indian domestic airline SpiceJet plans to introduce a drone delivery service to serve remote areas for medical and other essential supplies. The customized drones will allow for different payload weights and the initial focus is mid-mile deliveries. Last-mile deliveries are planned for later. The airline’s cargo unit SpiceXpress will provide the service in partnership with Throttle Aerospace for the drones and Aeologic for drone software management.

Rogue drone removed from Pope Francis mass in Slovakia

A mass led by Pope Francis with 60,000 attendees, 90 bishops, and 500 priests was protected by D-Fend Solutions. The company’s EnforceAir Ground-Level Tactical kit anti-drone technology detected a rogue drone and took control of it. See the Press release.

DJI will stop providing support for these products from March 2022

The end of service (EOS) timeline for some products includes: older drones, controllers, gimbals, transmitters, motors, and other accessories. Drones include Wind 1 and 2, Spreading Wings S900 and S1000+, and Flame Wheel ARF KIT F550 / F450 / F330.

UAV Video of the Week

Video: Michigan Christmas Tree Drone Footage

Mentioned

2021 events from Taking Autism To The Skys (TATTS), using drones to develop social and employment skills for autistic individuals.

A perching drone saves battery power, drones that connect communities, considerations for photography drones, Covid vaccination deliveries, secret combat drones, breaking up street racing, Airmap acquires DroneUp, and NOTAMs and drones.

UAV NewsWatch this falcon-esque drone perch and carry objects like a bird

Engineers at Stanford University created robotic talons that can be attached to a drone so it can perch and carry objects like a bird. The SNAG (Stereotyped Nature-Inspired Aerial Grasper) has two independently moving legs inspired by the peregrine falcon. The 3D-printed “bones” articulate with motors and fishing lines that act like muscles and tendons.

The legs and claws of the perching drone grasp quickly, in no more than 20 milliseconds. When the SNAG accelerometer detects an impact with the perch, it activates a balancing algorithm and tilts the drone forward, just like a bird does.

Video: Stanford engineers create perching bird-like robot

Drones on Cape Cod: Skyports and MassDOT Partner to Connect Remote Communities

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division has partnered with Skyports to investigate connecting remote Cape Cod communities. The Department wants to provide emergency medical delivery after storms or other natural disasters and everyday services such as healthcare and logistics. Cape Cod is composed of difficult-to-reach islands and peninsulas.

6 Important Things To Consider Before Buying A Drone For Photography

1. Style of the Drone
2. Flying Range and Battery Life
3. Flight Control System and Transmitter
4. Is Raw or DNG Format Support Necessary?
5. Camera Quality and Support
6. Safety Features and Intelligent Functions

India tests drone delivery of COVID-19 vaccine in remote Jammu

Vaccine deliveries in remote regions can be problematic. But in India where the travel time can be two hours by road, a multirotor drone can make the same trip in 20 minutes. India’s CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories has developed the octocopter that can carry a 10-kilogram payload over a range of 20 kilometers.

Two New Secret Drone Programs Could Emerge In The Air Force’s Next Budget Proposal

Development money for two classified unmanned air combat vehicles is planned for the 2023 fiscal budget. The combat drones would be designed to operate alongside the Next-Generation Air Dominance Program (NGAD) and the B-21 bomber, both classified programs. Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia speculates this could be Skyborg – the loyal wingman program. See also, 2 new secret combat drones are in the works, Air Force secretary says.

Drones used to make street racing bust in South Fulton

Street racing has been a problem in South Fulton, Georgia. Now the City of South Fulton Police Department is using drones to watch for street racing, document the activity, and capture images of license plates and the individuals involved. So far 33 people have been charged and four vehicles confiscated.

DroneUp Acquires Airmap: Another Move Towards Drone Ops on a Very, Very Big Scale

DroneUp is a drone services provider with a trained pilot network, proprietary software, and a relationship with Walmart that includes a financial investment and a drone delivery operation. AirMap has an Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) service which supports as many as 100,000 flights per day. Together, the companies can scale up operations and position for future BVLOS flights.

Name change signifies a bigger mission for NOTAMs

The meaning of the acronym NOTAM has changed from “Notice to Airmen” to the gender-neutral “Notice to Air Missions.” The new acronym now easily applies to the un-crewed flights of free balloons and drones.

UAV Video of the Week

Video: Beautiful drone footage of tree-lined NY roads and geometric fields | SWNS

This beautiful aerial footage takes you above a winding country road and geometric fields under the setting autumn sun. From the UK journalism team at SWNS.

FAA launches the “12 Days of Drones” campaign, the dangers of drones to aircraft, injunctions against local drone rules, $9,000 drone from Sony, long-endurance electric solar drone, amphibious drone tanker, and a Navy drone hub.

UAV NewsLooking to buy a drone this holiday? These are the FAA operating rules, regulations

The FAA’s “12 Days of Drones” educational campaign is underway to help the public understand how to fly holiday drones safely. The campaign’s safety messages will be posted on the FAA Drone Zone Twitter and Facebook accounts throughout the week. The FAA also released a new video reminding everyone of the rules and regulations that drone pilots must follow.

Aviation expert weighs in on how to decrease drone dangers to aircraft

Captain John Cox says geofencing, FAA prioritization and enforcement, and increased requirements for drone licensing could help the situation.

Michigan judge blocks county’s drone ban on public properties

A circuit court judge in Michigan issued an injunction that blocks Ottawa County from restricting drone flights in parks and banning them at other public properties. It also prohibits the local authority from restricting recordings at county land or facilities. The judge ruled that local restrictions violated Michigan’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act (UASA) which defers to federal laws. The Michigan Coalition of Drone Operators filed the complaint.

Sony’s $9,000 pro drone starts shipping Christmas Eve

The Sony AirPeak S1 is a pro-level quadcopter designed for the Sony Alpha series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. Sony developed the propulsion device and flight control system. Flight time is up to 22 minutes without a payload. Retractable landing gear provides an unobstructed camera field of view. Pre-orders are open and the estimated ship date is December 24, 2021. The suggested retail price is $9,000. Gimbal ($2,200), camera, and lens sold separately

Video: Key features | Airpeak S1

E-solar-thermal drone flies marathon test mission

The K1000ULE is an electric-, solar-, and thermal-powered UAV that comes from California startup Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, which focuses on “ultra long-endurance unmanned aerial systems.” Onboard sensors scan for thermals and when found the motor shuts off, the blades retract, and the aircraft goes into glider mode.

Video: K1000ULE Promotional Video

Video: K1000ULE (Revision-C) UAV Full Video

On the horizon, a 1,000-gallon scooping amphibious drone air tanker?

Drone America has two versions of a twin-engine amphibious drone: the Ariel Mark2 with a load capacity of 350 pounds, and the larger Ariel ScooperDrone UAS. The ScooperDrone should be able to scoop up to 1,000 gallons of water off a lake then drop it on a wildfire.

“Designed as part of a squadron, the Ariel Scooper Drone would provide autonomous fire attack and water scooping. The Ariel system can also be used to transport oil, diesel, even water and dry supplies to remote locations when not being utilized as a fire air tanker.”Drone America websiteUS Navy Announces Jordan-Based Joint Drone Hub

The US Navy and the Jordanian navy are creating a Red Sea-based drone operations joint hub. Task Force 59’s new Saildrone Explorer unmanned surface vessel (USV) will be operated from a Royal Jordanian naval base. The Saildrone USV will perform autonomous long-range data collection missions in ocean environments. It features wind-powered propulsion, solar-powered meteorological and oceanographic sensors, and advanced acoustic and camera systems.

UAV Video of the Week

Video: Walmart Drones Drop Jerseys in Partnership with Arkansas Razorbacks

Walmart delivered a Razorback jersey via drone each time Arkansas scored in its game against Missouri. Drones were operated by DroneUP.

MentionedAvy presents the world’s first Drone Response Network

The Dutch company Avy launched a Drone Response Network that combines docking stations and VTOL autonomous aircraft. The network offers drone coverage in a certain area and enables rapid deployment to support medical deliveries or emergency services during critical incidents. First flights are planned for the first quarter of 2022.

Personal eVTOL, Navy and Marines resupply drones, an Army UAS, drones on construction sites, UAS support for hypersonic missile testing, weaponized drones, a contraband-carrying drone, and drone video evidence in a high-profile criminal case.

UAV NewsPersonal eVTOL Vehicles: AIR CEO Believes in the Flying Cars of the Future

AIR is a Tel Aviv-based company that has unveiled its first product offering, the AIR One two-seat personal eVTOL. Designed for recreation and short commutes, the AIR One is powered by a 60 Kw-hour lithium-ion battery and offers a range of up to 110 miles on a single charge at a speed up to 155 miles per hour.

AIR CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut believes that UAM composed of commercial eVTOL vehicles like air taxis has certification and regulatory challenges that will cause the industry to move forward very slowly. Instead, personal eVTOL products based on the automotive model will be more successful short-term. The company has flown unmanned test missions of its prototypes using its Fly by Intent software.

US Navy Trials Logistics Drones for Sea, Land Missions

UAS are being tested for front-line warfighter re-supply. Trials were held by the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems program office and Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD). The Marine-focused UAS is the TRUAS (Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System) for on-shore tactical resupply up to 150 pounds. The Navy-focused UAS is the BWUAS (Blue Water logistics UAS) with longer range but lower payload capacity (30-50 pounds).

The Army is testing drones that can deliver life-saving blood to the battlefield

Army researchers are working with Near Earth Autonomy and L3Harris Technologies to develop autonomous unmanned aircraft that can deliver blood to the battlefield. A demonstration flight of the L3Harris FVR-90 drone was conducted in Fort Pickett, Virginia. The drone maps the landing zone to identify a safe landing point. See: Near Earth Autonomy, L3Harris Demonstrate Blood Delivery via Drones.

Video: Project Crimson – Long Endurance Precision Delivery 8/21

Drones becoming ever more common on construction sites

The article provides general background information on drones and the industry, but contains some inaccuracies, as pointed out in a comment by a reader with MKE Drones, an aerial service provider in Milwaukee offering drone imagery.

Sky Range: Faster, Cheaper, Better

The military will use the Sky Range in North Dakota to test hypersonic vehicles. Range Hawk drones are repurposed Global Hawks that the Department of Defense’s Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) modifies with sensors. These then record test data from the hypersonic vehicle.

Weaponized Drones Are Likely Coming To The U.S.

Recently, three drones carrying explosives attempted to assassinate Iraq’s prime minister and drones have been used on U.S. forces in Syria. This has been mostly a threat in the Middle East but some say it’s only a matter of time until we see weaponized drones used in the U.S. for terrorism purposes.

Drones, catapults used to smuggle contraband into SC prisons

The South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC) reported that a drone and catapult were recently used in attempts to smuggle contraband into prisons. The smartphones, tobacco, marijuana, and other items were confiscated by corrections officers. The drone operator hasn’t been identified.

Kyle Rittenhouse defense asks for mistrial over drone video evidence

This widely-watched trial involves Rittenhouse who shot and killed several people at a demonstration and riot. The prosecution obtained some drone video of the incident and provided a copy to the defense. After the evidence window had closed, it was determined that the prosecution provided a low-resolution version of the video to the defense.

Where to get Hydrogen for fuel cells, Boeing loyal wingman milestone, new drone rules for Oregon, Gremlins snatched in mid-air, a drone attack on the U.S. power grid, and Black Friday drone deals.

UAV NewsThe Potential of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for UAS

Doosan Mobility Innovation Co., Ltd. is using a hydrogen fuel cell to increase range, and they have partnered with a hydrogen supplier to serve customers. ReadyH2 offers hydrogen tank rental and refueling with delivery to the customer worksite. Approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the hydrogen tanks are made with a carbon-fiber composite and are lined with a high-density polymer liner.

Video: CUAVA Expo: Doosan

Boeing Loyal Wingman UAV’s Landing Gear Engaged for the First Time

Boeing Australia has reached a milestone with its Loyal Wingman aircraft (Airpower Teaming System) where one of them extended its landing gear for the first time. The landing gear system is supplied by RUAG Australia while the flight control and navigation systems came from BAE Systems Australia. Aircraft two successfully completed its first flight mission.

New rules for drones at Oregon state parks, Coast, coming for summer of 2022

Oregon recently formed a drone rules committee to determine where drone pilots can take off and land at state parks and the Oregon Coast. The rules will take into account drone impacts on wildlife and personal privacy and are expected to be in place by summer 2022.

C-130 Successfully Snatches Gremlins Drone In Midair

DARPA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, reports on some successful tests with the X-61A Gremlin Air Vehicle drone. A C-130 Hercules cargo plane successfully recovered the drone in mid-air, two X-61As flew together, and the drone can be turned around within 24 hours after a mission.

Video: DARPA Gremlins Program Demonstrates Airborne Recovery

Drone Attack on U.S. Power Grid Failed – This Time

A modified DJI Mavic 2 was recently found trailing a copper wire. It is believed this was an attempted attack on a Pennsylvania power substation in 2020. We learn about this from a recently released Joint Intelligence Bulletin (JIB) initially published on October 28, 2021, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC).

Black Friday drone deals 2021: early sales and what to expect

Black Friday 2021 is November 26, but you don’t have to wait until then. While not all retail establishments have announced their discounts on drones, some have.