The Heron long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV) developed by Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) reached an altitude of 32,000ft (9,750m) during a test flight on 20 February. The Heron is 8.5m long and has a wingspan of 16.6m. The eventual maximum altitude of the UAV will be 35,000ft, with a maximum take-off weight of 1,100kg.
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”.
