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Drones for defense says Navy, the CPB Predator B russels up a conviction, drones go nuke, a quadcopter that thinks its a Falcon, the AMA and FAA come together, and spotting a fire.
The News:
Bring on the Countermeasure Drones
Rethinking the drone as a defensive weapon rather than offensive. The UCAV can be used to protect the Carrier Battle Fleet while manned systems take on the offense. Also, the drones can act as deception device to fool sea skimming missiles. This is not a new idea – the ADM-20 Quail decoy would be dropped from a B-52 and to radar would look like 3 B-52s in formation.
Predator drone helps convict North Dakota farmer in first case of its kind
After an armed standoff over cattle rustling, the County Sheriff requested that Customs and Border Protection monitor a 3000 acre farm. The Predator B ( CPB Reaper) gathered enough evidence to arrest and convict the suspect.
Drones used to measure radiation in Fukushima nuclear plant
The tsunami that devastated Japan and killed thousands of people also took out the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The resulting radiation leak exceeds levels that are safe for humans. The Japanese Atomic Energy Agency and the Japanese Space Exploration Agency have developed a fixed-wing drone to monitor radiation levels.
Drone with legs can perch, watch and walk like a bird
Multicopters generally don’t have sophistocated landing gear. After studying bird landings, Vishwa Robotics in Brighton, Massachusetts has developed legs modeled after the American Kestrel.
AMA/FAA sign memorandum of understanding
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have agreed to collaborate on safe operation of model aircraft in the national airspace.
Fire In Branford Quarry; Evacuation Order Lifted
Firefighters use a quadcopter to evaluate a fire near a dynamite stockpile.