Drone News of the Week, July 14: DRONELIFE Headlines and Story Excerpts, All in One Place to Read or Listen

Read or listen to all of the headlines in one place: excerpts from the DRONELIFE drone news of the week ending July 14, 2023.  Click on the titles below for the full story.

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The Estonian Transport Association’s recent investment in a U-Space sandbox in partnership with ANRA Technologies, a leading provider of UAM services, has taken an important new step in its development. A recent stakeholder workshop hosted at Tartu Science Park, which will host the new facility, had attendees from the aerospace industry, industrial groups, and research institutions discussing business plans and viewing preliminary operational concepts, as well as touring sites and discussing the location of an operations center.

A Drone Mobile Tower for Disaster Response: the Starlink Connected Solution

In partnership with NSW Telco Authority, specialist fiber and network solutions provider Vocus has revealed a new method for granting crucial 4G/5G mobile connectivity in emergencies utilizing an innovative tethered drone. Through the use of high-speed low-earth orbit satellite connectivity from Vocus Satellite – Starlink, the drone is able to serve as an aerial mobile tower, providing connectivity over up to 28 square kilometers. This solution was developed by Challenge Networks, the Vocus company specializing in private 4G/5G networks, using hardware and tether designed and flown by XM2.

Creating Hydrogen from Seawater Could Be a Game Changer for the Aerospace Industry

As drone developers and consumers seek drones with longer ranges and higher payloads, the limitations of the lithium-ion batteries that power the grand majority of commercial UAVs have become ever more clear. While exciting development continues on battery-swapping technology designed to increase range, (read here), one possible solution to the ongoing challenge could be drones powered via hydrogen fuel cells instead. Fuel cells have been used everywhere from consumer cars to space rockets, so it’s easy to understand the appeal of hydrogen fuel in commercial or public-sector drone operations.

DJI Matrice M30, Matrice M350 RTK Earn EU Certifications

Leading drone manufacturer DJI has recently revealed that its Matrice M30 and Matrice M350RTK series drones have been recognized with pivotal certifications from the European Union, while the DJI Mavic 3 model has maintained its prior certification.   The DJI Matrice M30 series has achieved class C2 certification under Delegated Regulation 2019/945 EU, which allows drones to fly in the A2 subcategory of the open category. This subcategory pertains to flight operations within areas where it is not possible to maintain a safe distance from non-involved people. This classification requires specific training in the A2 subcategory, as well as the use of active geofencing, remote identification and low-speed operation functions.

Australia Publishes Guidelines for Air Taxi Vertiports

Australia’s aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, released Guidelines for Vertiport Design last week after a process of thorough community and industry consultation. These new Australian regulations will permit corporate branded vertiports, allowing for companies such as Skyportz to create operational networks.   “This is a great step forward for Australia and shows our preparedness to welcome this new industry into Australian skies,” said Skyportz vertiport infrastructure developer, Clem Newton-Brown.

Extreme Weather Presents Risks to Farmers. Better Analytics Can Help Mitigate the Damage.

Sentera, a Minnesota corporation specializing in agricultural analytics, recently announced the launch of its Crop Damage analytics platform to aid in critical decision-making around mitigation strategies for unforeseen weather events. Amidst increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather patterns caused by global warming, technology to help farmers and other customers protect their crops is increasingly important- the American Farm Bureau Federation reported that 2022 was the third-costliest disaster year event in history, with more than $21.4 billion in crop and rangeland losses.

Former FAA Deputy Admin Mike Whitaker Tapped for Nomination to Lead Agency

The Wall Street Journal has reported that President Biden is expected to nominate former FAA Deputy Administrator Mike Whitaker to be the next FAA Administrator.  The move has been under consideration since May, when it was reported by Axios. Whitaker served as FAA Deputy Administrator during the Obama administration, serving under FAA Administrator Michael Huerta from 2013 – 2016.  Whitaker was an attorney for TWA and then United Airlines.  Whitaker then worked as Group CEO at Indian travel conglomerate InterGlobe.  Whitaker has been with Hyundai eVTOL company Supernal since 2020: he currently serves as Chief Commercial Officer.

Bobby Healy of Manna Drone Delivery on the Drone Radio Show!

Don’t miss this episode, with  Bobby Healy, CEO and Founder of Manna Drone Delivery on the Drone Radio Show!  Bobby talks about the strategic partnership with Coca Cola and the company’s plans for the expanding into the United States and other countries, with host Randy Goers.

GeoCue Expands Reach in Europe for TrueView Imaging Sensors and LiDAR Processing

Geospatial solutions leader GeoCue has announced the addition of autonomous robotics integration expert Escadrone to its global network of distributors. Since 2014, Escadrone has served as a trailblazer in the design, sale, and approval of drone technology, providing numerous companies with comprehensive training and personalized autonomous robotics solutions. Through this partnership, GeoCue will further its expansion into the European market, especially in France and French-speaking countries where Escadrone will offer advanced-level TrueView 3D Imaging Sensors and LP360 LiDAR Processing Software.

Drone Show Raises Funds for Muscular Dystrophy: Celestial Drones Performs “Humble Courage”

Drone technologies development expert SPH Engineering is showcasing the utilization of Drone Show Technologies by Celestial Drones. On this past 4th of July weekend at Point of the Bluff Vineyards in New York, Celestial Drones performed an impressive drone light show powered by Drone Show Software. The show, titled “HUMBLE COURAGE,” aimed to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and raise awareness about the condition.

Small Drones Can Fly Ahead of Military Units to Detect CBRN Hazards: Draper Develops New Capabilities

Small drones for military use are being leveraged beyond short-range reconnaissance.  Draper develops detection capabilities for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) elements, so that military units can send sUAVs ahead to scout locations and identify hazards without risking personnel. Previously, detection of CBRN elements may be performed using handheld or vehicle-mounted sensors, explains Draper.

New Drones Will Advance “Human and Machine Collaboration” XTEND and ModalAI Partner

Today, human-guided autonomous operating system developer XTEND announced a multi-layered partnership with leading Blue UAS Framework drone manufacturer ModalAI, Inc. As per the partnership, XTEND will make its XOS operating system available on ModalAI’s technology, while XTEND’s human-guided autonomous drones will incorporate ModalAI’s VOXL® 2 Autonomous AI Autopilot.  XTEND’s Operating System (XOS) offers an easy to deploy operating system for drones and robots, allowing any connected device to benefit from XOS’s application ecosystem.

Project Demonstrates Use of Vision-Based DAA to Track and Monitor Other Drones

Sensor processing and display solution developer Cambridge Pixel had joined a consortium with Vizgard and Gibson Robotics to combine the capabilities of each company for a final project demonstration earlier this month, at the Edinburgh Royal Observatory. The project, funded by a DASA Security Rapid Impact Open Call, with support from two UK police departments, set out to explore the use of vision-based 360° Detect and Avoid capabilities for BVLOS drone operations. The project utilized Vizgard’s onboard edge computer and an upgraded FortifAI computer vision server to simultaneously process six 4k video streams. An encrypted cellular connection was used to stream near-real-time classification of aerial objects, including other drones and their true bearings.

AI-Powered Classification of “Any and All Flying Objects” in the Airspace: DeDrone Tracker.AI v.6

Sterling, VA-based DeDrone recently unveiled their new DeDroneTracker.AI ver. 6.0, a machine-learning powered autonomous threat-detection/classification command and control system that enables customers to effectively manage and take out drone-based threats. DeDrone’s technology, powered by a multi-sensor array including radio frequency (RF), radar, video, and acoustics, can effectively identify and neutralize unfriendly UAVs through constant interrogation, while also allowing tracking and enabling friendly drones to continue to operate safely.

New Drone Advocacy Alliance Fights Against Bans on Chinese-Made Drone Technology

The formation of the Drone Advocacy Alliance was announced today.  The Alliance is “a coalition dedicated to protecting the right of American drone users to choose and use their drones,” says a press release. “The Alliance will serve as a platform for drone users to learn more about legislation that may impact them and make their voices heard.”

EHang Announces $23 Million Private Placement to Support Development of Urban Air Mobility

Autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform leader EHang Holdings has announced its entry into share subscription agreements for a total of US$23,000,000 private placement with several strategic investors led by South Korean record producer and SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man.

What Goes Into a Vertiport? Node4 Supports Skyports Infrastructure with Data Analysis and IT

Leading vertiport provider Skyports Infrastructure has commissioned cloud-led digital transformation Managed Services Provider (MSP) Node4 to provide the IT network components and data analysis capabilities required for vertiport operations. The agreement will see Node4 support Skyports Infrastructure through the construction of a global SD-WAN capability. Expected to go live at its first UK location later in the year, SD-WAN will eventually cover additional UK sites and extend to Skyports Infrastructure facilities in the USA, Dubai and France. SD-WAN will provide the enabling technology and connectivity for Skyports Infrastructure’s global vertiport operations.