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Royal Mail delivery by drone, the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport, drones and vaccine distribution, Navy MQ-25 Stingray warrant officers, Catching Gremlin UAVs with a C-130, and test and evaluation programs you might join.

UAV News

Incredible footage shows first Royal Mail drone delivery to Mull lighthouse

Alexa Kershaw became the first recipient of the new service from the Royal Mail, in collaboration with DronePrep, Skyports, and what3words. DronePrep’s mission is “to unlock suitable locations for drone use in the UK by bringing pilots and landowners together.” Skyports designs, builds, and operates vertiports. The company develops and operates end-to-end drone delivery services. what3words has given every 3m square in the world a permanent unique 3-word address.

Bell’s Autonomous Pod Transport Carries 110 lbs. of Payload

The Bell ATP (Autonomous Pod Transport) flew with 110 lbs. of payload over an 8-mile route at Bell’s testing site near Fort Worth, Texas. Over 300 flights have been completed so far. APT will demonstrate several military and commercial operations in 2021. The APT 70 can transport up to 36 MREs, 72 water bottles, 64 magazines of 5.56 ammunition, and a gallon of fuel.

Drones Could Help Bridge the Economic, Social Divides for Vaccine Distribution

Vaccine distribution is a huge logistical challenge: huge quantities of vaccine need to be moved both within the US and to/from other countries, many destinations for vaccine deliveries are remote, and refrigeration requirements are strict. The Miami International Airport is a huge freight hub and is certified to handle pharmaceuticals. Remote control aircraft might have a role in delivering vaccine to remote locations.

Navy unveils warrant officer specialty to operate MQ-25 Stingray refueling drones

The MQ-25A Stingray is a carrier-based refueling drone with initial operating capability expected in 2024. The Navy looks to recruit about 450 aerial vehicle operator (AVO) warrant officers over the next 6 to 10 years. The new AVO warrant officer specialty is designated 737X. Applications will be open to enlisted sailors already in the fleet, as well as “street-to-fleet” warrants. Navy Recruiting Command will not start accepting applications for AVO accessions until fiscal 2022.

Test flight within inches of retrieving Gremlin UAV

DARPA has been testing under the X-61A Gremlins Air Vehicle (GAV) program. Nine attempts were made to capture GAVs with a docking bullet extended from a C-130 aircraft. However, due to “relative movement [that] was more dynamic than expected” the attempts were unsuccessful and the GAVs parachuted to the ground. The program manager for Gremlins in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office said, “All of our systems looked good during the ground tests, but the flight test is where you truly find how things work. We came within inches of connection on each attempt but, ultimately, it just wasn’t close enough to engage the recovery system.”

Test & Evaluation Programs Making Big Ideas Soar!

A number of UAS test and evaluation (T&E) programs are available to those looking to participate, including the FAA UAS test sites, FAA ASSURE (Alliance for System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence), FAA/UAS Unmanned Traffic Management Pilot Program (UPP), FAA/Partnership for Safety Program (PSP), NASA/FAA/Urban Air Mobility (UAM/AAM) Grand Challenge, as well as Federal Labs/Tech Transfer and Transition (T3) Authorities.

UAV Videos of the Week

Floppy newborn whale – and man overboard – caught on video

Drone footage from Playa Grande Resort near Baja California’s tip shows a humpback whale and her calf swimming beneath a boat.

Video: Whale Knocks Man Off Boat, Gets Hit By Prop!

Video: Walmart Holiday Drone Light Show