Drone | Common News Update

Dec102020 by adminNo Comments

Navy creates program for specialists to operate MQ-25 Stingray drone

Business

Dec. 9 (UPI) -- A U.S. Navy warrant officer specialty for Aerial Vehicle Operators was announced this week, with plans to train about 450 personnel for the designation. The AVO warrant officer will be charged with operating MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial vehicles, which are typically launched from maritime vessels. Advertisement The aircraft will be included aboard fleet carrier airwings in 2024, the Navy said Wednesday in a statement. The new AVOs will be trained, over the next six to 10 years, at the Navy's Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and then designated as Warrant Officer One. They will receive distinctive ceremonial "wings of gold" before their assignment. "Unlike traditional Navy Chief Warrant Officers, the majority of these officers will be accessed much younger and t...

Sep252020 by adminNo Comments

Amazon unveils flying Ring security drone and Luna games service

Technology

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Aug202020 by adminNo Comments

Britain, Belgium to collaborate on MQ-9B drone acquisition

Business

Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Britain and Belgium signed a statement of intent to work together after both countries acquire the MQ-9B drone, they announced this week. The Remotely Piloted Aircraft System is built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, and is known as the Protector RG Mk1 in Europe. Advertisement In remote signing ceremonies on Tuesday, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston of the Royal Air Force and Maj. Gen. Frederik Vansina, Commander of the Belgian Air Component, agreed to seek cooperative opportunities for training, maintenance, logistic support, interoperability and capability enhancement. "As the second Air Force acquiring this system, we are proud to join the United Kingdom in setting the first milestones towards interoperability between both our systems," said Vansina...

Jul272020 by adminNo Comments

Israeli-built drone for German air force has first successful flight

Business

July 27 (UPI) -- An unmanned aerial vehicle made in Israel for Germany's Defense Ministry completed its first successful flight, builder Israel Aerospace Industries announced. The Heron TP, modified to the specifications of the German Defense Ministry, completed its first flight on Sunday in Israel, the company said. Advertisement The medium altitude, long endurance Heron TP, regarded as the company's most advanced drone, can be used for reconnaissance and support roles, and can fire air-to-ground missiles. With a maximum takeoff weight of 11,365 pounds, the vehicle has a 54-foot wingspan and can carry a payload of over 2,200 pounds. It is based on the Eitan UAV in use by the Israel Air Force. The German and Israeli defense ministries signed a nine-year, $ 600 million agreement in 2018 to...

Jul202020 by adminNo Comments

Oversight gap leaves Pentagon unsure if Afghan drone project has helped, IG says

Business

July 17 (UPI) -- An oversight failure left the Pentagon unable to judge if a $ 174 million Afghan surveillance drone project is effective, an inspector general's report says. Released on Friday by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan, the report notes that at least $ 174 million was spent between 2015 and 2019 to supply Afghanistan's security forces with ScanEagle remotely piloted aircraft. Advertisement It adds, though, that the Defense Department is unable to determine if the project is effective, if the Afghan forces can sustain it or what the immediate and long-term impacts of the investment. "SIGAR found that Naval Air Systems Command [NAVAIR] -- responsible for overseeing the ScanEagle contracts, and [drone manufacturer and Boeing subsidiary] Insitu -- is unable to determin...