The Leavenworth Police Department in Leavenworth, Kansas has purchased two UAS.
Equipped with video cameras but absent of infrared technology—that technology can be purchased, though—the UAS can be used for a variety of tasks, including providing aerial perspectives of large crime scenes or accident scenes, and helping search for children and disabled adults who have wandered off.
The UAS, which were purchased for a total of $4,467, can also be used for tactical purposes, Nicodemus says, as they can provide an additional set of eyes and vantage that officers otherwise would not have during tactical situations.
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Kongsberg Geospatial and Survae announce partnership to help UAS operators manage multiple UAS simultaneously
Ottawa-based Kongsberg Geospatial and Wilmington, North Carolina-based Survae have announced the integration of the Kongsberg Geospatial IRIS UAS Ground Control Station (GCS) with Survae’s digital asset management platform for geolocated video, imagery and data.
With this integration, a single operator will be able to seamlessly manage the real-time display and storage of multiple video streams from the multiple UAS being managed by the IRIS GCS.
In addition, videos will be meta-tagged and stored for “near real-time analysis or for post-mission archival search of missions flown.”
PACI receives Part 107 waiver to operate UAS BVLOS
Praxis Aerospace Concepts International (PACI) has announced that it has received a Part 107 waiver from the FAA to operate UAS beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
According to PACI, which is based in Southern Nevada, it is now one of the few companies in the United States allowed to offer BVLOS operations for professional aerial work.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be the first Nevada company to receive permission to fly commercial BVLOS,” says Jonathan Daniels, CEO of PACI.
“This is a major step over the hurdle for the commercial UAS industry. This will open up many opportunities for businesses already anchored here and those corporations who want to start-up here at our Searchlight Airpark facility.”
Missouri man rescued with aid of UAS
On the night of March 27, a UAS was used to help rescue a man who drove on to a bridge and found himself in the flooded James River at the Crighton Access Point in Missouri.
The Logan Rogersville Fire Department called on Pilot Tom Baird to provide aerial assistance for this mission. Within seven minutes, Baird got the UAS into the air, and helped crews find the man who needed help faster than if they were to search waterways by boat or on foot.
Hubsan launches 'high-quality, affordable' H501A+ UAS
A UAS company called Hubsan has launched its newest signature product, the H501A+ UAS.
Available starting at $199, the UAS is a “high-quality, affordable drone option,” according to Hubsan.
The H501A+ UAS has a variety of unique features. Among them, the UAS has both a high-quality video camera and photo features, it has a flight time of 20 minutes, and it has GPS positioning, automatic take-off and Return to Home features.
“We designed Hubsan's drones, and the H501A+ model, with quality and affordability in mind,” says Kevin Chen, Hubsan's U.S. branch manager.
Kansas State Polytechnic's adds drone to professional indoor football team
Kansas State Polytechnic's Applied Aviation Research Center is collaborating with the Salina Liberty, a professional indoor football team in Salina, Kansas, to bring drone technology to the team’s home games this season.
Through the collaboration, the research center is using a UAS to perform a 35-foot ball drop to the head referee before opening kickoff. The research center is also using UAS to capture aerial footage of the games to livestream on the team's Facebook page.
The idea behind using a drone to release the game ball to the referee was sparked by one of the challenges in the NFL's Pro Bowl Skills Showdown called drone drop.
Kansas State Polytechnic introduces UAS to the world of professional indoor football
Kansas State Polytechnic's Applied Aviation Research Center is collaborating with the Salina Liberty, a professional indoor football team in Salina, Kansas, to bring UAS technology to the team’s home games this season.
Through the collaboration, the research center is using a UAS to perform a 35-foot ball drop to the head referee before opening kickoff. The research center is also using UAS to capture aerial footage of the games to livestream on the team's Facebook page.
“We see drones as a way to enhance the in-game experience for the fans, giving them a unique view of the action on the field, so we're excited that Kansas State Polytechnic was so receptive to the idea,” says Ricky Bertz, Salina Liberty CEO and co-owner.
Drone Delivery Canada successfully completes first test flights in U.S.
During the week of March 5, Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) successfully completed its first UAS test flights in the United States at the Griffiss International Airport in Rome, New York.
Testing was conducted using DDC's Sparrow cargo delivery UAS, which has a lifting capacity of five kilograms. DDC also tested its mission control operations, its proprietary FLYTE management system, and its proprietary DroneSpot Technology, which provides “secure and controlled take off and landing area for users to interact with.”
Chris Corgnati appointed Chief Operating Officer of PAE ISR
PAE ISR, which is a lead systems integrator and full service provider for UAS, has appointed Chris Corgnati as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
With more than 25 years of executive and operational leadership in naval aviation, Corgnati is a recognized expert in the development, acquisition and integration of unmanned systems.
Before being appointed COO at PAE ISR, Corgnati held several titles, including Vice President of the NASA and Department of Defense programs at Crown Consulting, Director of ISR Capabilities for the Chief of Naval Operations, and the United States Head of Delegation for the NATO Joint Capability Group on Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Drone America, Kongsberg Geospatial partner to enhance BVLOS UAS operations
Drone America and Kongsberg Geospatial have announced the integration of the Kongsberg Geospatial IRIS UAS situational awareness application into the Drone America Airspace and Sensor Awareness System (DAAWS).
Drone America, which specializes in designing and building “advanced long-range autonomous, multi-mission aircraft” with modular payloads for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight operations, developed the DAAWS system as part of its Advanced Ground Control Station, to give flight teams the ability to manage BVLOS flight operations safely and effectively.
