Tag Archives: Iceland

368 Mesh Network Drone Delivery

An AI-based mesh network drone delivery test, Navy destroyers swarmed by drones, an Amazon double-coupon deal, an attritable Bell cargo UAV, a first amendment drone case, the target drone on the beach, drones replacing fireworks.

UAV News

AI-based system to support world’s first mesh network drone delivery test

Airwayz is participating in a unique technology test in Israel where delivery drones will use AI and operate in mesh networks. Previous studies have used drone corridors, but that limits the number of delivery drones, doesn’t scale to commercial volumes, and if a part of the corridor goes down, the corridor fails. A mesh system doesn’t have these limitations. However, a human cannot manage a mesh network so AI is needed at each drone for quick decision-making.

Multiple Destroyers Were Swarmed By Mysterious ‘Drones’ Off California Over Numerous Nights

In July 2019, as many as six drones pursued the ships and performed “brazen maneuvers.” An  investigation included elements of the Navy, Coast Guard, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Drive conducted their own investigation using iInformation not previously public that was disclosed through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

Amazon double coupon deal cuts this awesome foldable 4K camera drone to just $60

The Tomzon D25 4K Camera Drone is listed on Amazon.com at $99.99 but at this time, Amazon is offering a $20 coupon, applied at checkout. BGR says you can apply the coupon code TOMZOND25 at checkout for another $20 off, making the final price $59.99. Note that Amazon states “Coupons are valid for a limited time only. Amazon reserves the right to modify or cancel coupons at any time.”

Bell sees its APT cargo UAV as being attritable in combat

Bell believes it can produce the APT (Autonomous Pod Transport) at a low enough price that it could be considered “attritable.” The APT is a tail-sitting VTOL that uses a battery and 4 electric motors. An internal combustion engine would be more complex, less reliable, and louder.

Drone Operator Grounded by Self-interested Government Board Fights Back

The North Carolina the Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors claims that conducting an aerial survey with a drone constitutes surveying without a license. The Board is warning drone operators they may face criminal prosecution. But drone entrepreneur Michael Jones is fighting back saying his images and maps were not being used to set legal boundaries. Instead, they were for informational purposes. Jones claims creating and sharing information is speech protected by the First Amendment and he’s filed a federal lawsuit with the Institute for Justice.

Military drone washed ashore on beach

It’s a U.S. Air Force BQM-167A Aerial Target drone that is usually recovered from the ocean.

Drone shows coming to OC this summer, replacing firework shows

Ocean City, Maryland has frequent fireworks shows during the summer. Now they are planning to replace the fireworks with drones for many of those shows. But not to fear, fireworks will appear for the 4th of July.

UAV Video of the Week

James Gunn offers viral drone video cinematographer a gig in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

That bowling alley drone guy? It may have paid off. Director James Gunn offered Jay Christensen an opportunity with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. When Gunn saw the viral video, he said on Twitter, “Oh my God this drone shot is stupendous,” and in another tweet, “I want them to come with us to London later this year when we shoot Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” To which Christensen replied, “What’s up James. I shot this.” Gunn may or may not have been serious.

Video: The light in the night!

Video: Iceland volcano: Drone footage captures stunning up-close view of eruption

Anthony Quintano Photography on Instagram and Twitter.

Cartoon used with permission, Leigh Rubin, RubesCartoons.com.
Used with permission, Leigh Rubin, RubesCartoons.com.

UAV079 Volcano!

'GMA' Flies Drone Over Erupting Volcano Live

A drone flies over a volcano for live TV, Alibaba tests drone package delivery, more Section 333 exemptions, drones for real estate, and a poll shows Americans want regulations.

News

‘GMA’ Flies Drone Over Erupting Volcano Live

ABC’s Good Morning America television show flew two quadcopters over the erupting Bardarbunga Volcano in central Iceland. And they broadcast the video live on national TV. Eric Cheng, DJI Director of Aerial Imaging, was on hand to operate the main quadcopter while a chase DJI provided additional coverage.

The live video of the volcano was spectacular. This wasn’t a puff piece – it was a very public demonstration of using a drone for science. With last week’s drone crash on the White House lawn, and now this, public awareness of small drones is increasing.

Alibaba Package Delivery

Alibaba Beats Amazon to Drone Delivery

The Wall Street Journal calls Alibaba, “China’s — and by some measures, the world’s — biggest online commerce company.” With e-commerce activity of $248B, it’s bigger than eBay and Amazon.com combined.

Now Alibaba is conducting a three day package delivery test for customers that are within a one-hour flight by quadcopter from their warehouses in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. They’ve posted a promotional video online.

FAA Grants Eight More UAS Exemptions

Exemptions under Section 333 were issued to Total Safety U.S. Inc. for flare stack inspections, Slugwear, Inc. (dba LikeOnATree Aerial) for aerial photography and surveys. Team 5, LLC;  Shotover Camera Systems LP;  Helinet Aviation Services, LLC;  and Alan D. Purwin were given an exemption for film and television production.  This brings the total number of exemptions to 24.

At the same time, the FAA amended the exemptions previously granted to Pictorvision, Inc. and Aerial MOB, LLC to let the companies fly additional types of small UAS.

As with the last round of exemptions, “the proposed operations do not need an FAA-issued certificate of airworthiness because they do not pose a threat to national airspace users or national security.”

The FAA says they have received 342 requests for exemptions from commercial entities and individuals.

UAV real estate Co. to expand nationwide following FAA exemption

Real estate video and production firm Burnz Eye View received an exemption from the FAA in January. Mark Burns started the company 3 years ago and has a team of 15 in San Diego. With the exemption, he wants to expand to cover the entire U.S. To do that, he needs pilots. Specifically, UAV operators that have private pilot’s licenses or multi-hour experience flying UAVs. An understanding of platform maintenance will also be needed.

Americans OK with police drones – private ownership, not so much: Poll

A Reuters/Ipsos online poll of 2,000 people conducted Jan. 21-27, 2015 showed that 73 percent of the respondents said they want regulations for small drones. Forty-two percent oppose private ownership of drones. They think they should be restricted to officials or other experts. Thirty percent were OK with private drone ownership, and 28 percent were undecided.

Video of the Week

Seize Des Moines

This interesting aerial tour of Iowa’s capital city was sent in by listener Bill, who raises some questions about the safety of flying in proximity to buildings and crowded events.