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The LAPD is evaluating drones, quadcopter pilot assaulted over privacy concerns, a novel delivery by drone concept, Switzerland picks the Hermes, RQ-21A Blackjack deployment in Afghanistan, and the U.S. Navy tests an Aerostar.
The News
LAPD Chief Beck to Vet Drones Before Use
The Los Angeles Police Department has received two Draganflyer X6 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from the Seattle Police Department, to be used for manhunts and standoffs. The LA Police Chief says he will work with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to ensure that the Draganflyers do not infringe on individual privacy rights.
Consumer drone pilot gets ass kicked by chick
A man at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Connecticut was approached by a woman who felt that the quadcopter he was flying was a violation of privacy. She called the police, then allegedly assaulted the man, which was captured on video.
HorseFly ‘Octocopter’ Primed to Fly the Future to Your Front Door
The University of Cincinnati and AMP Electric Vehicles have partnered to create the HorseFly. This octocopter is paired with a delivery truck, and together they deliver packages. As the truck travels to make deliveries, the drone autonomously delivers a package, then returns to the truck to pick up the next one.
Switzerland selects Hermes 900 MALE UAV
With an endurance of around 36 hours, the Israeli Elbit Systems Hermes 900 will certainly provide a big increase in capability over the 4-hour endurance of the Rangers they use now. However, the bigger aircraft also comes with a larger operational footprint.
Blackjack UAS deploys to Afghanistan
The U.S. Marine Corps has deployed the Boeing/Insitu RQ-21A Blackjack to Afghanistan. The 61.2kg (135 pound) Blackjack is about 86 pounds heavier than the ScanEagle it replaces. Payload is up to 11.3kg (25 pounds), it has an internal bay, and electro-optic and infrared cameras.
First UAV Flight Over National Airspace at Dahlgren Supports Navy Combat System Tests
A fixed-wing Aerostar Unmanned Aerial System is being tested at the Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren. The Aerostar can perform various missions such as: target acquisition, artillery fire adjustment, targets designation, and battlefield and borders control.
Photo of the Week
From Isaac Alexander @Jetcitystar: A “drone street sign.”
Video of the Week
Dji Phantom 2 Vision : Fly Over Purling Brook Falls, Springbrook National Park, Australia. This single drop “horsetail” fall of about 100 meters is in Queensland, south of Brisbane.