Weekend Roundup: April 17, 2020
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World.
News
USMC conducts first operational flight of MQ-9A Reaper UAS in the Middle East
U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) pilots and sensor operators from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1) conducted their first operational flight of GA-ASI's MQ-9A Reaper UAS in the Middle East on March 20.
From Unmanned Systems magazine: The power, promise and potential pitfalls of 5G for unmanned systems
Check out just a few wow-worthy examples of the vision that the fifth generation of wireless technology is inspiring for the use of connected drones:
Swift Tactical Systems, Silvus Technologies partner to produce robust UAS
Swift Engineering subsidiary Swift Tactical Systems has entered into a strategic alliance with Silvus Technologies that will result in the companies combining Swift’s UAS with Silvus' advanced MIMO communication systems for tactical applications.
UAVOS successfully tests cargo delivery UVH-170 unmanned helicopter
During a trial designed to validate a highly automated delivery flight from a vendor to a destination and back, across precisely pre-selected pathways, UAVOS successfully tested its cargo delivery UVH-170 unmanned helicopter.
Workhorse Group expands patented portfolio for HorseFly UAS and key components
Through a recently filed provisional application, Workhorse Group Inc. has expanded its patent portfolio, which further protects its HorseFly UAS, as well as several of the system's key components and capabilities including the ground control station, winch deliveries and aircraft structure.
North Carolina A&T-led interdisciplinary team to develop air passenger taxis
To address traffic congestion, NASA has awarded an interdisciplinary team led by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) a four-year, $8 million award to develop, test and eventually deploy air passenger taxis as a supplemental means of transportation.
Skyports to trial BVLOS flights in non-segregated airspace after joining UK CAA Regulatory Sandbox
After being accepted into the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Regulatory Sandbox, drone delivery service provider Skyports will begin testing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights in non-segregated airspace.
Elbit Systems equips Seagull USV with Towed Reelable Active Passive Sonar for USVs
Elbit Systems Ltd. has successfully equipped its Seagull USV with the Towed Reelable Active Passive Sonar (TRAPS) for Unmanned Surface Vessels (TRAPS-USV).
FAA announces two new participants for unmanned aircraft Traffic Management Pilot Program
The FAA’s NextGen program has selected Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership in Blacksburg, Virginia, and Griffiss International Airport in Rome, New York as test site participants for Phase 2 of the unmanned aircraft Traffic Management Pilot Program (UPP).