WingXpand, Raytheon AI collaboration

WingXpand has collaborated with RTX’s Raytheon. The partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of WingXpand’s smart planes. The smart planes’ open systems architecture allows for the seamless integration of organic and third-party applications and payloads, designed for mission flexibility as threats and tactics evolve. Raytheon’s advanced infrared technology seeks to enhance the capabilities of WingXpand’s smart planes by improving their ability to detect and identify potential threats at greater distances.

WingXpand has also introduced a new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability for its xRAI smart plane. This feature expands the operational versatility of the aircraft, which is designed to be compact enough to fit in a backpack. The VTOL option allows the xRAI to take off and land vertically, making it ideal for operations in tight spaces and challenging environments. WingXpand’s smart planes can be used in both defense and civil missions. www.wingxpand.com

ideaForge for Operation DRONAGIRI

ideaForge Technology Limited, India announced its role as a data provider for Operation DRONAGIRI, a pioneering pilot project launched under the National Geospatial Policy 2022. The first phase of the operation will take place in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where pilot projects will showcase the real-world applications of these technologies. The initiative also introduces the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), which will enable seamless access to geospatial data, fostering collaboration and innovation among stakeholders. As a critical data provider, ideaForge will supply high-resolution drone data that will be used by various stakeholders, including government departments, industry leaders, and startups, to drive more informed decision-making and enhance project outcomes. www.ideaforgetech.com

Japan Standards Association publishes standards for drone services

The Japan Standards Association (JSA) has announced the issuance of a Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) for drone service providers to define the processes and requirements necessary to ensure a certain level of quality in the services they provide.

The draft of this JIS was developed by the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework Promotion Organization, which served as the secretariat. The standard specifies guidelines for building a service provision system, delivering services, and conducting reviews for continuous improvement.

The association expects that the issuance of this JIS will lead to an increase in the quality and reliability of drone services, further expanding and revitalizing the drone service market.The original draft of this JIS was prepared by the Fukushima Innovation Coast Initiative Promotion Organization, a public interest incorporated foundation, which served as the secretariat.

As the range of services offered expanded and the number of services provided increased, there were concerns that the lack of standards to ensure quality would hinder expanded use due to the possibility of aircraft crashes, dangerous flights, illegal activities, and other issues.

Now, with the aim of enabling drone service providers to satisfy a certain level of quality in their services, METI has established the new JIS, which stipulates requirements on business processes and other matters that drone service providers should implement (e.g., development of a service provision system, provision of services, review for continuous improvement). www.uasvision.com