Software
Software
DJI unveils new hardware and software tools for professional UAS operators
In an effort to give professional UAS operators improved control, safety, and security for high-stakes missions, DJI unveiled new hardware and software tools on Thursday, Feb. 21.
DJI says that its new Matrice 200 Series V2 UAS are redesigned with better reliability, safety, and security features, while the FlightHub UAS operations management platform gives organizations more implementation control and data security assurances.
Together, these improvements allow commercial organizations to scale and manage their UAS programs while laying the technical foundations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and nighttime operations.
Drone Delivery Canada unveils next generation drone delivery cargo aircraft
Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) has unveiled its Condor UAS, which represents the company’s next generation of drone delivery cargo aircraft.
According to DDC, the Condor “pushes the limits in both cargo capacity and distances,” as it features a payload capacity of 400 pounds, and a potential travel distance of up to 200 kilometers. The Condor is powered by a next generation gas propulsion engine.
Canadian government invests $40 million in BlackBerry QNX for next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles
In an effort to establish Canada as a global leader in cybersecurity and automotive software for connected and autonomous vehicles, the Government of Canada has announced that it will invest $40 million in BlackBerry QNX to develop safe and secure software systems for the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicles.
BlackBerry QNX, which is a business unit of BlackBerry Limited, will create more than 800 new middle class jobs in Canada over the next ten years, with plans to maintain nearly 300 more.
The company will also provide new skills development and learning opportunities to help train Canadians for the jobs of tomorrow, and keep the country competitive in today’s global economy.
NASA's UTM project selects Lone Star UAS Center to test UAS traffic management
In an effort to ensure the safe and efficient operations of UAS, NASA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) project has selected the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation (LSUASC) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to test UAS traffic management.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is one of just two test sites selected in the nation for this testing.
“This series of tests is a critical step in enabling the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems within an urban environment,” says Mike Sanders, acting executive director of the Lone Star UAS Center of Excellence & Innovation.
Persistent Systems and Hoverfly announce partnership; Hoverfly joins Wave Relay Ecosystem
Persistent Systems and tethered-UAS manufacturer Hoverfly Technologies Inc. have entered into a five-year agreement.
Hoverfly will join the recently launched Wave Relay Ecosystem, which is an alliance of unmanned systems and sensor companies working together to deliver a “true networked battlefield to warfighters.”
Hoverfly’s tether-powered small UAS, the LiveSky and the BigSky, will both be part of the Ecosystem, and the Wave Relay MANET will be offered as the standard communication link.
Simlat develops simulation capability for counter-UAS operations
Simlat has announced that it has developed a simulation capability for counter-UAS (C-UAS) operations that allows different sensors and effectors to be emulated with diverse capabilities and technologies.
High volume threats, which can include any kind of hostile platform(s) in any configuration, are simulated in complex environments such as airports, critical infrastructure settings, urban terrain and sensitive sites.
University of South Florida's Brain-Drone Race welcomes diversity and inclusivity
Inside the Yuengling Center on the campus of the University of South Florida (USF), competitors focused intently as they raced to their respective finish lines in front of an enthusiastic crowd of onlookers.
But the field of 16 competitors weren’t using their legs to compete in a series of drag races taking place over the course of four rounds. Instead, they were using their brains to race drones during USF’s first brain-drone race on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Hughes Network Systems begins shipment of HM400 SATCOM modems for GA-ASI's MQ-9B SkyGuardian
Broadband satellite networks and services provider Hughes Network Systems LLC has begun shipping its specialized, multiband HM400 SATCOM modems to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI).
The HM400 SATCOM modems will be used to power beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communications for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
According to Hughes, its specialized Hughes HM400 delivers enhanced satellite-based communications for RPA’s, as it leverages an open system architecture and software-definable modem and waveform technology.
The Hughes HM400 modems support both military and commercial satellite frequencies, opening up applications such as search and rescue or disaster response for Predator-variant aircraft.