Texas-based company expands offshore cargo operations while preparing for the next phase of U.S. BVLOS regulations By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill While many drone service providers like to tout their latest innovations and brag on the abilities of their aircraft to handle a variety of missions, Austin-based Skyways Aviation has spent the better part of the last … [Read more...] about How Skyways Quietly Built a Global Heavy-Lift Drone Business
Cargo
Blueflite Added to FAA Section 44807 Approved UAS List: Why it Matters
Cargo drone platform joins FAA-reviewed aircraft list, potentially streamlining future operator approvals Michigan-based drone manufacturer blueflite announced that its Cobalt 461 cargo drone has been added to the FAA's Section 44807 Approved UAS List, indicating that the aircraft has already undergone FAA review as part of the agency's advanced operations approval … [Read more...] about Blueflite Added to FAA Section 44807 Approved UAS List: Why it Matters
Applied Aeronautics Launches SkyBeam Heavy Lift Drone Platform
New U.S.-Made quadrotor targets defense, public safety, and commercial operations with modular design and lower cost Applied Aeronautics has introduced SkyBeam, a new heavy lift quadrotor platform designed for defense, public safety, and commercial operations. The company says the aircraft focuses on endurance, payload flexibility, and rapid deployment for demanding field … [Read more...] about Applied Aeronautics Launches SkyBeam Heavy Lift Drone Platform
From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
Jaunt Air Mobility's autonomous slowed-rotor platform targets defense ISR, cargo logistics, and remote operations in two mission variants. AIRO Group Holdings has publicly unveiled its full-scale autonomous VTOL aircraft at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit. The Nasdaq-listed aerospace and defense company announced the reveal on May 12, 2026. The aircraft comes from AIRO's … [Read more...] about From The Floor of XPONENTIAL: AIRO and Jaunt Reveal Dual-Use VTOL Aircraft for Defense and Cargo Missions
From Drones to Helicopters: Robinson, Ascent Build a Scalable Autonomous Rotorcraft Ecosystem
In an exclusive interview with Ascent AeroSystems CEO Paul Fermo: how Robinson and Ascent aim to scale autonomy from small drones to full-size helicopters The rotorcraft industry is entering a new phase as established helicopter manufacturers move deeper into autonomous aviation. A recent announcement revealed a collaboration between Sikorsky and Robinson Helicopter Company to … [Read more...] about From Drones to Helicopters: Robinson, Ascent Build a Scalable Autonomous Rotorcraft Ecosystem
