UAV

Icaros releases Version 5.0 of OneButton™

Icaros Inc. has released version 5.0 of OneButton™ Standard and Professional image processing software for UAVs. It has been developed for geospatial end users to easily and automatically generate precise, fully orthorectified 2D maps and 3D models from frame-based aerial imaging systems. Originally engineered for manned aircraft sensors, the software has been modified to accommodate the unique collection conditions of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). OneButton is application platform and sensor agnostic, and processes raster image data from small, medium, and large-format frame sensors capable of capturing visible RBG, multispectral, near-infrared, and thermal infrared data. www.icaros.us

New Mapping Software from Pix4D

Pix4D has released version 3.2 of Pix4Dmapper Desktop. The new version features upgrades in stability and usability. Uploading desktop projects to the cloud is now 10 times faster. Camera parameter correlations are displayed in the quality report for easier troubleshooting and assessment. Also, new key output: tiled level-of-detail mesh is available in osgb and Esri formats and the software is now available in Russian language. Similar to tiled maps or vectors, LoD mesh is stored in multiple hierarchies. This allows loading the mesh geometry and texture only within the visible extent and at different level of details based on zoom scales. Without this technique, users can load the entire file before taking any actions.

Court of Appeals strikes down FAA Drone Registration Rule

An appeals courtstruck down a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rule that required owners of drones used for recreation to register their aircraft. The FAA has released the following statement in response to the decision:

Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), has also issued a statement on the U.S. Court of Appeals decision:

“AUVSI is disappointed with the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals to reject the FAA’s rule for registering recreational unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). A UAS registration system is important to promote accountability and responsibility by users of the national airspace, and helps create a culture of safety that deters careless and reckless behavior. We plan to work with Congress on a legislative solution that will ensure continued accountability across the entire aviation community, both manned and unmanned.”

UNSW develops autonomous 3D mapping drone

Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia have created an autonomous 3D mapping drone that reduces map surveying times. The university’s engineering researchers, together with Linke & Linke Surveys, developed the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using spinning light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology that produces accurate 3D maps of key areas.

It weighs approximately 12kg and can travel for up to 18 minutes over any terrain, able to deliver data in real time from 30,000 reference points per second. www.australianmining.com.au

Singapore joins global panel to regulate drone use

Singapore has joined a 15-member group set up by the United Nations’ civil aviation arm to draw up global rules and regulations for the safe use of unmanned aircraft, including drones. The team, formed last year, comprises eight countries, including the United States, France and China, as well as industry bodies like the global pilots’ association.

In December last year, the group came up with an online toolkit to provide the aviation authorities and regulators with information on unmanned aircraft and how they can be safely operated. The next step is to develop a more comprehensive global framework that will address concerns that pilots and other stakeholders might have.

The sooner this framework is agreed upon internationally, the sooner the industry will be able to align their developing UAS businesses within harmonised systems, according to ICAO. www.straitstimes.com

Dutch start-up launches next generation mapping drone Marlyn

Drone company Atmos UAV launches Marlyn, a lightweight drone which flies automatically, effortlessly and at high wind speeds. One of the first customers that signed up is Skeye, Europe’s leading unmanned aircraft data provider.

This brand new technology allows industry professionals around the world to map the surface 10 times faster and guarantees no more drone crashes.

Drones comprehensive policy on the cards in Kartnaka, India

Karnataka will soon become the first state in the country to use drones in all its departments. The state government is planning to come up with a comprehensive policy on using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in various government departments following Karnataka Jnana Ayoga (KJA) recommendations. Drones will be used in the state to gather information on drought, monitor crowds, tackle forest fire, survey encroachment and perform several other tasks.

KJA, headed by former ISRO chairman K Kasturirangan, is framing the draft policy and recommendations will be submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in June. www.newindianexpress.com

Naval Research Laboratory Moving Forward with Autonomous Solar UAV

Researchers at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Vehicle Research Section and Photovoltaic Section have investigated the presence of solar photovoltaics to the cooperative autonomous soaring techniques to enable long endurance flights of unmanned sailplanes that use solar power.

The Solar Photovoltaic and Autonomous Soaring Base Program and the U.S. Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Energy Office have begun to improve UAV’s so they can support a roundthe- clock information, surveillance and reconnaissance mission, which would be able to benefit warfighters because it will reduce the amount of batteries or fuel needed to carry into battle and improve the availability of continuous coverage of ISR assets.

The UAV with solar arrays was able to fly for 10 hours and 50 minutes last October without using the entire charge on the battery. Another UAV took off in April and flew for 11 hours and two minutes while using significantly less battery power. www.rdmag.com

Brazil drone ops to be regulated by its National Civil Aviation Agency

The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) approved the text that regulates the operation of drones for commercial purposes throughout the Brazilian territory.

The regulation brings standards and procedures that guarantee legal and operational safety and will have a great impact on the market’s sustainable growth.

According to the ANAC, the objective of the new regulations is to make viable Drones operations in Brazil, keeping in mind the safety the people.

Briefly, the regulations divide the equipment into three categories:

• Drones under 25 kilos

• Drones between 25 and 150 kilos

• Drones over 150 kilos

For drones over 25 kilos or for any flight over 120 meters high, the pilot must undergo training and be over 18 years of age. For equipment between 250 grams and 25 kilos, the user should only register on the Agency’s. www.anac.gov.br/

Lockheed Martin introduces Indago 3 quadrotor

Lockheed Martin has introduced its newest variant of Indago quadrotor drone for sensitive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The new variant goes by the name, Indago 3, comes with Enhanced ISR capability, with the addition of TrellisWare Technologies MANET software. It has a minimal radio frequency footprint through the use of TrellisWare’s TW-600 Ocelot module.

The Indago 3 system features improved propulsion technology for reduced noise signature, extended flight time, a military-grade encrypted and secure data link, mesh-capable video dissemination and long-range radio for long distance operation at low altitudes.