The Israel Aircraft Industries/EADS Heron/ Eagle unmanned air vehicle has become the first unmanned system to fly at a major air show with a series of demonstrations at Asian Aerospace 2004. All air traffic in and out of Changi International airport was suspended while the UAV flew. Show organisers say that a programme of electromagnetic interference studies was undertaken before the flights to lessen the risk of loss of control.
Source: Flight International
EHang’s EH216-S autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) has completed its first test flight using solid-state lithium batteries.
Chinese aerospace firm Air White Whale has assembled its first unmanned cargo aircraft – also the world’s largest – as it works towards eventual certification and delivery in 2026.
UK regulators have set out the steps needed to open the country’s airspace for widespread operation of uncrewed air systems (UAS) by 2027 to “maximise [their] economic and social benefits”.
