When star cricketer MS Dhoni bought a share in drone startup Garuda Aerospace and became its brand ambassador last week, he was just the latest in a long line of investors and entrepreneurs interested in a piece of India’s expanding drone pie. India’s drone market is off to a flying start, drawing technology and new investments, fueled by new opportunities in industry and agriculture and assisted by favourable government laws. Reliance Industries (RIL), led by Mukesh Ambani, was one of the first to enter the fray, purchasing an 83 percent share in SankhyaSutra Labs, which creates highfidelity aerodynamics and multiphysics simulation software, in 2019 and Asteria Aerospace, a fullstack dronetechnology firm, in 2021. Adani Enterprises, founded by Gautam Adani, agreed to buy a 50% investment in General Aeronautics, a Bengalurubased drone manufacturer, for an undisclosed sum in May of this year. “There are a lot of policy tailwinds that would give an impetus to the sector, such as the government’s policy to promote drones and make the country a global hub for drone manufacturing by 2030. Further, an …
June 2022, South San Francisco, California — Zipline, the world leader in rapid logistics, revealed its innovative Detection and Avoidance (DAA) system today. The innovative system, which is a first for the industry, combines onboard acoustic-based technology to enable safe and autonomous flight in complex, even uncontrolled airspaces. This technology is a huge step forward in achieving large-scale commercial autonomous delivery. Zipline’s innovative DAA system navigates airspace and provides 360-degree awareness with a range of up to 2,000 metres using a set of compact, lightweight acoustic microphones and onboard processors. Aircraft can use this onboard technology to monitor for other aircraft in real time and adjust to changes in their flight path. “Our DAA system is the holy grail of drone technology,” Zipline co-founder and CTO Keenan Wyrobek stated. “We’ve designed a system that can think for itself and modify in real time, and is agile enough to work with the tiniest of margins.” DAA is the result of hundreds of thousands of flight hours and years of development. It’s a graceful response to the challenges of flying outside visual line of sight in the United States today, not in ten years.” Existing detection and avoidance systems rely on cumbersome or ground-based optical or electromagnetic awareness systems, which are inefficient for scaling tiny, long-range drone operations. Zipline’s acoustic-based approach blends the light, low-cost hardware required for autonomous drones with the regulatory precision required. “We envision a world in which physical things may be delivered as swiftly and easily as a text message.” “DAA is the key to scaling rapid delivery in the United States and around the world,” said Keller Rinaudo, Zipline’s founder and CEO. “We see this system being the industry standard for all commercial autonomous aircraft to fly safely in the future.” The gear has already been integrated into Zipline’s drones and is ready to go once regulatory approval is received. DAA is being unveiled more than five years after Zipline began commercial operations. A delivery is now completed every four minutes, and the company has surpassed 300,000 commercial flights. DAA is the next step in developing the company’s industry leadership and bringing the promise of instant logistics to the rest of the world. Concerning Zipline Zipline is the world’s leader in real-time logistics. Our mission is to instil hope, reform institutions, and serve everyone equally. We created, build, and run the world’s largest automated on-demand delivery service, which has done over 300,000 commercial deliveries holding over 5 million vaccinations and other medical items, reducing delivery emissions by 98 percent when compared to traditional methods. Governments, major brands, and premier health care systems all rely on Zipline.
Drone capabilities will grow at Westcott Space Cluster as top drone services firm Skyports chooses the south of England location as its European headquarters and centre of competence. Skyports plans to utilise the state-of-the-art facilities at Westcott Space Cluster to …
PLATH GmbH & Co KG of Germany and Primoco UAV of the Czech Republic performed the first successful BVLOS-flight of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) under an all-European LUC while regular air traffic continued in the Bundeswehr’s military airspace in Manching. With a take-off weight of 150 kg, a payload of 30 kg, and a flight time of more than 15 hours non-stop in the air, the flexible fixed-wing UAV Primoco One 150 is perfectly adapted to a variety of activities. PLATH’s onboard multi-sensor technologies, as well as its airborne radio and transponder, ensured safe air traffic management (ATM) and acquired all data required for the mission’s success. BAAINBw L 5.2 gave the WTD 61 Geschäftsfeld 470 in Manching the task of conducting flight demonstrations to examine the Primoco One 150’s capabilities. The trip was made feasible by the use of a LIGHT UAS OPERATOR CERTIFICATE from …
UAV Navigation ensures that the Alpha platforms A-900 and A-800 can complete missions even if GNSS signals are unavailable or if they are jammed. To maintain a stable position and/or navigate between waypoints, the majority of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) rely on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Furthermore, any small drone system that solely depends on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors to estimate aircraft attitude and does not combine data from other types of sensors may be subject to GNSS jamming assaults. The design philosophy of UAV Navigation is that the UAV cannot rely on the availability of a GNSS signal; the system must be able to continue the mission even if the GNSS signal is unavailable. When a flight control system is jammed or the UAS is operating in a GNSS-denied location, it loses access to positional data. With weaker systems, the only option is for the remote pilot to take manual control, which increases the chances of the mission failing and, depending on the distance between the GCS and the UAV, the UAV being lost. As previously stated, some systems may be unable to maintain UAV stability, resulting in the aircraft falling out of the sky. This is a key flaw in many commercially available drone systems, which is why jammers and other anti-UAV countermeasures have become so popular in the business. Due to the need for a comprehensive GNSS-denied capability in their UAV helicopters Alpha-800 and Alpha-900 systems, Alpha Unmanned Systems chose UAV Navigation as its flight control system provider. Alpha’s platforms can continue a mission even if the GNSS signal is unavailable or jammed, thanks to UAV Navigation’s VECTOR-600 autopilot. The autopilot can estimate the UAV’s position and follow a flight plan, or alternatively receive a command to fly to a designated area – including the landing site – even if the UAV is beyond line of sight (BLOS). Because the autopilot’s sensor suite uses MEMS technology, the system can accrue navigation mistakes of up to 30 metres per minute; wind conditions may change this figure, but the important thing is that platform stability and control are maintained, and the aircraft can be retrieved. “Thanks to UAV Navigation’s advanced dead-reckoning capability, we can disable GNSS for a limited amount of time, or we can escape out of a jammed area, in order to correct our position and attempt to recover the GNSS signal; if the worst comes to the worst, then we know we will be able to save the UAV,” says Alvaro Escarpenter, COO of Alpha Unmanned Systems. This is a more advanced feature that only professional or military-grade UAVs have. Commercial drone systems will begin a controlled descent to the earth if the GNSS signal is lost or jammed, resulting in a failed mission and the potential loss of the aircraft.” Grupo Oesa – UAV Navigation Since 2004, UAV Navigation has specialised in the design of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) solutions for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with 100% Spanish capital. The flight control solutions are known for their dependability and resilience, as they are employed on a variety of platforms and in a variety of weather circumstances. These include tactical unmanned planes with high performance, VTOL fixed wings, aerial targets, mini-UAVs, and helicopters. UAV Navigation is part of the Oesia Group, a Spanish conglomerate with more than 45 years of expertise designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge technology for the Security, Defense, and Aerospace sectors, including a long history of avionics work on major projects. The Oesia Group has worked on critical and non-critical flight systems for the Eurofighter EF-2000, A-400M, F-18, C-295, P3-B Orión, and MH-60R throughout their entire life cycle (design, development, qualification, and maintenance). The FCAS/NGWS, Eurodrone, and SIRTAP projects have all enlisted the help of the group. The Oesia Group employs over 3,500 people across 15 offices in Spain and America, with projects in 23 countries. Its mission is to make the world a better place by making it more efficient, safe, and sustainable. To extend these cutting-edge skills over the world, the company relies on a global network of distributors. Alpha Unmanned Systems is a company that specialises in unmanned aircraft Alpha Unmanned Systems is a leading engineering UAV systems manufacturer specialising in supplying customers with dependable and diverse tactical solutions, such as UAV helicopters and related UAV systems and services. Our systems are custom-built to order and deployed to businesses and government organisations in over eight countries.Surveillance, border control, maritime security, search and rescue, educational purposes, and transportation of desperately needed medical supplies are just a few of the roles they do. The Alpha team consists of aviation engineers, electronic engineers, mechanical engineers, UAV pilots, and business experts who all have one aim in mind: to make your mission a reality. ALPHA is primarily a corporation that specialises in aviation engineering. Every day, our team not only designs and builds world-class UAV helicopters and systems, but also researches and develops new ways to make them better, more useful, more reliable, and easier to operate.
DroneUp, a prominent drone flying services provider, and FlightOps Ltd., a leading multi-drone operating system (OS) supplier, announced today a substantial commercial deal. “Our customers can fly more missions over longer distances with better safety and lower costs with the FlightOps OS,” stated FlightOps CEO Shay Levy. “With our technology, we will be able to realise the concept of drone delivery as a last-mile option with large scale and low operating costs.” We expect our delivery segment’s software licence costs to hit $2 million in 2022 and $10 million in 2023.” DroneUp is a global pioneer in drone flying services, modernising businesses with drone technology solutions that include everything from deliveries and inspections to safety and security. Walmart invested in DroneUp to continue scaling its last-mile delivery technology after successful home delivery trials. Walmart has announced intentions to extend its DroneUp delivery network to 34 locations by the end of the year, potentially reaching four million Americans in six states. The FlightOps technology works by placing robotic software on any type of drone, transforming it into an autonomous “robot-pilot” that connects with a cloud-based operation centre through 5G networks, enabling for automated fleet operation in shared airspace. By combining high degrees of autonomy with the power of cloud connectivity, FlightOps enables huge scalability for any drone operation. Without the need for manual planning, the software combines powerful and automated mission planning to construct dynamic flight paths for delivery to corporate or residential addresses. FlightOps Information FlightOps is a global pioneer in providing a quick and secure solution to integrate autonomous flight capabilities into any organisation. FlightOp’s cloud-based software, situated in Herzelia, Israel, allows drone service providers, manufacturers, and developers to scale out their operations in terms of range and number of flights while maintaining greater safety and lower operating costs.
The entire addressable market for Volocopter’s family of eVTOL aircraft has grown to USD 290 billion thanks to VoloConnect.A lift and cruise aircraft can seat up to four people and has a range of more than 60 miles.For flight speeds of over 155 mph that are both safe and sustainable, zero operating emissions are required. Bruchsal, Germany / Bentonville, USA – Volocopter, the pioneer of urban air mobility (UAM), revealed today at the UP.Summit, an annual gathering of experts in transportation innovation hosted by investment firm UP.Partners, that its fixed-winged passenger aircraft, the VoloConnect, conducted its first flight in May 2022. Volocopter is the only eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) developer in the world with a whole fleet of different aircraft configurations in flight testing. With a range of over 60 miles and flight speeds over 155 mph, Volocopter’s third product solution, the VoloConnect, delivers longer and faster journeys than any other Volocopter aircraft to date. The passenger plane’s increased range and cargo will enable business travellers and commuters to travel outside the city limits on routes such as Burbank to Huntington Beach in Los Angeles, California. Volocopter is poised to offer a greater range of passengers’ flying needs with the VoloCity and VoloConnect air taxi designs, which meet demand for metropolitan flights and suburban connections in heavily populated areas, respectively. Furthermore, the VoloConnect is scheduled to begin service in 2026, while the VoloCity is set to begin commercial operations in 2024. The VoloConnect, Volocopter’s third product solution, has a range of over 60 miles and a top speed of 155 mph, making it the longest and fastest Volocopter aircraft to date. Business travellers and commuters will be able to go beyond of the city limits on routes such as Burbank to Huntington Beach in Los Angeles, California, thanks to the passenger plane’s improved range and cargo capacity. With the VoloCity and VoloConnect air taxi designs, which fulfil demand for metropolitan flights and suburban connections in densely populated areas, respectively, Volocopter is ready to meet a wider spectrum of clients’ flying demands. Furthermore, the VoloConnect is slated to begin commercial operations in 2026, while the VoloCity is set to start in 2024. The accomplishment of bringing the VoloConnect prototype to life is due to a devoted team in Munich, lead by Sebastian Mores, Chief Engineer, VoloConnect. “Seeing the VoloConnect soar into the sky represents the achievement of one of our important milestones and highlights just what we are capable of in a short period of time, in keeping with the firm’s overarching vision for crewed and uncrewed aircraft,” says the company. Mores also stated that “new technologies will be examined and gradually included over the overall programme development.” According to EASA, the VoloConnect and other eVTOL aircraft were developed to meet the highest aviation safety standards (European Aviation Safety Agency). After only 17 months in development, the prototype flew for the first time in May 2022, performing a series of manoeuvres for 2 minutes and 14 seconds. All of the expected aerodynamics and performance elements of the future commercial model are included in the prototype. The VoloConnect is a lift-and-cruise aircraft designed for missions outside of city limits and suburbs. Six rotors provide vertical takeoff while two electric fans in combination with uplift-creating wings ensure high forward speeds by reducing moving components to a minimum. The VoloConnect prototype is currently undergoing a rigorous series of flight tests to ensure that the aircraft and its systems meet performance requirements and are ready for the next stage of development. This phase includes a variety of tests, such as standardised low-speed, transition, high-speed, and engine failure testing for automated and later autonomous flights, all of which are standard-issue tests for an eVTOL passenger aircraft manufacturer. During the campaign’s first three test flights, the crew was able to verify a major section of the eVTOL’s envelope, with forward speeds of up to 40 mph and sideward speeds of up to 28 mph. Over the next few weeks, the test flight envelope will be incrementally opened as part of the test flying programme. Along with its other aircraft family members, the VoloDrone and VoloCity, the VoloConnect is positioned to increase Volocopter’s total potential UAM market. There are numerous technological distinctions between the …
D-Fend Solutions, the leader in counter-drone, radio frequency cyber based takeover technology, announced today that it has been named a recipient of the 2022 Disruptor Company and Disruptor Product awards in the Aerospace & Defense category by The Globee® Awards, the world’s premier business awards programmes and business ranking lists. The Grand Trophy Globee® Award, which is given out by The Globee’s Editors, was also given to the company. These prestigious international awards honour disruptive innovations and innovative solutions that are changing people’s lives around the world. “Winning this year’s Globee® Disruptor Awards has validated and recognised D-Fend Solutions,” stated Jeffrey Starr, Chief Marketing Officer of D Fend Solutions. “The Globee criteria of transformation, persistence, and moving beyond legacy systems, traditional constraints, and existing ways, all while taking on huge challenges to solve big pains, particularly in the defence and public safety arena, are perfectly aligned with our vision, mission, and operational solution set.” Disruptor Product Awards and the Globee Disruptor CompanyDisruptors are businesses with the ability and expertise to supplant established solutions, businesses, and even entire sectors. While end-user needs are constantly shifting, disruptive products, services, technologies, and solutions are redefining experiences everywhere. Legacy systems aren’t always up to the task of accepting and responding to new requirements. Disruptors are persistent, operating outside of the limits of established systems and business structures. They attain end results using technology and modern tools, and they are not hampered by industry stalwarts’ established methods. They are ready to take on a massive task and discover solutions to the most pressing issues. D-Fend Solutions is a company that provides defence solutions.D-Fend Solutions is the industry’s leading counter-drone, cyber-takeover technology supplier, offering complete control, safety, and continuity during rogue drone occurrences in complex and …
Newly trained certified instructors will train kids in drone pilot courses as part of the Udaan initiative, as well as enable and ease the issuing of drone pilot licences. “Drones are quite beneficial in agricultural, land surveying, and other aerial surveys in villages,” says the author. The Kaushalya: The Skill University programme would contribute significantly to the creation of new jobs in the state’s drone pilot and drone manufacturing industries, according to the minister. In response to the Prime Minister’s request for the country to become a “drone hub,” an intense training programme for data analysis has been started in Gujarat through Kaushalya-The Skill University’s drone instructor programme “Udaan.” Minister of State for Labour, Skill Development and Employment, and Panchayat Brijesh Merja revealed  this on Monday at the opening of the website of the state government’s newly founded skill university. Newly trained certified instructors will train kids in drone pilot courses as part of the Udaan initiative, as well as enable and ease the issuing of drone pilot licences. “Drones are very useful in agriculture, land survey and other aerial surveys in villages. The initiative by Kaushalya: The Skill University will make a significant contribution in creating new employment in the …
Himachal Pradesh has become the country’s first state to approve a drone policy.Between August 2021 and February 2022, the number of drone or UAV startups in India increased by 34.4 percent.In the next three years, the drone manufacturing business might generate over 10,000 direct jobs. The Himachal Pradesh government has approved a drone policy, which aims to allow the use of drones and related technology for various public services in the hill state.The chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, Jai Ram Thakur, adopted the ‘Himachal Pradesh Drone Policy 2022,’ saying, “The policy envisage developing a holistic drone ecosystem built upon the foundation of Governance and Reforms Using Drones (GARUD).”Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to explicitly accept the public usage of drones with this new drone policy. Himachal’s drone strategy focuses on developing drone-enabled technologies, developing workforce through the construction of training institutions, and establishing startup and innovation initiatives, among other things.The initiative aims to spread the use of drone-enabled technologies across a variety of industries, including defence, transportation, health, agriculture, and more. Drone technology’s potential in IndiaThe Himachal Pradesh government has previously designated ITI Shahpur for training individuals to use drones in order to ensure a successful implementation of the state’s drone programme.In addition, the Department of Information Technology …