You’re a fire boss trying to contain an out-of-control wildfire in mountainous terrain, and you literally can’t see the forest for the burning trees. Dense smoke chokes the air, making it nearly impossible to have a good sense of where and how quickly a fire is moving. Such was the case for firefighters battling this […]
UAS
Poll shows most Americans support UAS for search and rescue, border patrol
A poll conducted by Monmouth University shows that a majority of Americans support the use of unmanned aircraft systems for search and rescue and border patrol. The poll found that 83% of Americans support UAS use for search and rescue and 62% support the use of the technology for patrolling our nation’s border. The poll […]
UND UAS program soars to new heights
It’s becoming a common reaction around the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences lately. That mildly surprised expression on the face of newcomers as they gaze for the first time upon the network of interconnected multi-storied futuristic buildings that form the main aerospace school complex. It’s a look that says ― “It’s more […]
Drones gaining acceptance
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Drones — Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — are getting greater acceptance worldwide, leading all in aviation to take a new and detailed look into how they will fit into the airspace and how they will affect the safety of all flight operations. This was revealed in the results of a poll conducted […]
FAA slowing drone use to fight wildfires
Fire fighters hoping to use drones to “map a fire’s size and speed, and identify hot spots,” are running up against FAA regulation. A New York Times story notes a drone is precluded, “from operating out of sight of a ground-based pilot. If distance or the smoke of a wildfire obscures a drone from observers on the ground, a piloted […]
X-47B carrier ops video
The Navy just made the first catapult launch of an unmanned X-47B from a carrier at sea; then did a touch-and-go on the deck a few days later (May 14 and 17). Frederick A. Johnsen of Airailimages.com put together a short video using U.S. Navy imagery.
Drones used to save rhinos
Rhino poaching is a big deal in Africa. Drones are a big (and getting bigger) deal everywhere. Anton Kieser is using helicopter drones to try to save the African rhino from poachers.
University conducts its first drone research mission over Gulf of Mexico
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi will conduct the first mission over the Gulf of Mexico with its unmanned aircraft from Monday, March 11, through Friday, March 15. The drone will acquire data over the Gulf and South Texas ranchland as part of the search for new applications of unmanned aerial technology, university […]
FAA puts out requests for UAV research and test sites
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has put out a request for proposals from state and local governments, universities and other public entities to develop six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites around the country. Through the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, Congress directed the FAA to establish this program to conduct […]