The Boeing and Insitu Group ScanEagle unmanned air vehicle demonstrated a mission endurance of nearly 17h on a recent test flight. The UAV was deployed from and recovered by a surface ship for the trial, which included the provision of real-time imagery from the drone's electro-optical sensor. The system's infrared sensor payload was also demonstrated during a separate test flight. The US Marine Corps has already ordered two ScanEagle units for deployment to Iraq.
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”.
