General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and NASA are planning a major fire reconnaissance demonstration using a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned air vehicle over the western USA in mid-2006. The demonstration follows an initial series of tests in early September 2001. NASA has been researching the use of several different classes of UAVs in fire-reconnaissance roles in a variety of programmes over the past five years.
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”.
