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
Cargo
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
Autonomous Black Hawk Program Advances Toward Contested Logistics Missions
Near Earth Autonomy and collaborators complete integration milestones for the RUC-60 optionally crewed Black Hawk ahead of mission testing in 2026 Near Earth Autonomy and its collaborators have completed a year of integration work and flight demonstrations for the RUC-60, an optionally crewed Black Hawk designed for military logistics missions in contested environments. The … [Read more...] about Autonomous Black Hawk Program Advances Toward Contested Logistics Missions
