At XPONENTIAL 2026 this week, leaders from University of Michigan outlined an ambitious vision for the future of drones and advanced air mobility (AAM): one where Michigan becomes a central hub for the emerging low altitude economy by combining aerospace innovation with Detroit’s industrial manufacturing strength. DRONELIFE had the opportunity for a meaningful discussion with … [Read more...] about Michigan’s Bet on the Low Altitude Economy: How M Air Connects Aerospace Innovation and Detroit Manufacturing
drone testing
AURA Network Systems Conducts BVLOS Communications Tests
In collaboration with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), AURA Network Systems has completed a comprehensive flight-test report evaluating voice-relay service performance during beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The tests, conducted in Mayville and Buxton, North Dakota, assessed the technical performance of … [Read more...] about AURA Network Systems Conducts BVLOS Communications Tests
FAA Adds Two New UAS Test Sites to Advance Drone Integration
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration have announced two new UAS Test Sites in partnership with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. These additions mark the first new federal test ranges for drones in nearly a decade, expanding national research capacity to advance Beyond Visual Line of Sight … [Read more...] about FAA Adds Two New UAS Test Sites to Advance Drone Integration
University of Texas at Arlington Unveils New Advanced Drone Facility
The University of Texas at Arlington recently unveiled the Maverick Autonomous Vehicle Research Center (MAVRC), an outdoor netted drone facility to aid testing and development of autonomous technology. Located at UTARI, UT Arlington’s research institute in Fort Worth, the 120-by-150-foot structure is 40 feet high and is equipped with 26 motion-capture cameras, wireless internet … [Read more...] about University of Texas at Arlington Unveils New Advanced Drone Facility
AutoFlight Delivers World’s First One-Ton eVTOL Aircraft with Full Airworthiness Certification
China’s AutoFlight achieves a world-first with certified heavy-lift eVTOL drone, paving the way for large-scale low-altitude operations. Historic Delivery of Certified Heavy-Lift eVTOL Shanghai-based advanced air mobility company AutoFlight has made aviation history by delivering the world’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with a maximum take-off … [Read more...] about AutoFlight Delivers World’s First One-Ton eVTOL Aircraft with Full Airworthiness Certification
