dronelife

Recent Events Underscore Importance of Leadership in Navigating Regulatory Challenges The drone industry is facing an uncertain future as recent federal layoffs, FAA job cuts, and administrative shifts create confusion. The need for strong leadership has become even more pressing following recent incidents, including a tragic plane crash in Washington. As the industry seeks stability, […] The post Federal Layoffs and Uncertainty Highlight Need for Strong Drone Industry Leadership appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Experts: More tools needed to protect airports from drones By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill (This is the fifth in a series of articles, examining the problems posed to critical infrastructure sites and other significant potential targets of drone incursions by hostile actors. Previous installments examined current federal laws pertaining to the use of counter-drone […] The post Strengthening Airport Defenses: The Growing Need for Better Counter-Drone Measures appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Update Introduces Deep Learning Model Fine-Tuning and Improved Point Cloud Processing Blue Marble Geographics has released Global Mapper v26.1, introducing enhancements to its geographic information system (GIS) software. This update refines point cloud processing, expands deep learning capabilities, and improves customization options for users. Global Mapper is an all-in-one GIS software solution driven by […] The post Global Mapper v26.1 Enhances AI-Based Tools and User Experience appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Successful Flight Test Highlights Future of Autonomous UAV Operations In a recent flight test, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía and Primoco UAV SE demonstrated the integration of advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technologies with teaming intelligence software. This test validated real-time swarm coordination and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUT) missions, showing the potential of autonomous UAV operations. Enhancing […] The post UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía and Primoco UAV SE Demonstrate Advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming and Swarm Capabilities appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Correlator3D and Phase One Cameras Support Large-Scale Mapping Operations SimActive Inc.’s Correlator3D software is being used by Air Data Solutions (ADS) to map large oil and gas operations in South Texas. By integrating Phase One camera systems, ADS captures thousands of high-resolution images annually to produce detailed digital maps. Streamlining Aerial Mapping with Correlator3D ADS […] The post SimActive and Air Data Solutions Enhance Oil & Gas Mapping with High-Resolution Aerial Imagery appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Pilots Express Concern Over Expanded Use of ADS-B Data The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address growing concerns over the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data. AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance recently sent a letter to Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau, asking the agency […] The post AOPA Calls on FAA to Address ADS-B Privacy and Enforcement Issues appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New survey-grade sensors offer precision mapping at accessible price points, bringing professional LiDAR technology to a wider audience. by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb Alabama-based LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology developer GeoCue announced their newest additions to their TrueView lineup of sensors- the TV1 and the TV1 Lite. These new, survey-grade geospatial sensors […] The post GeoCue Expands TrueView Lineup with TV1 and TV1 Lite: Affordable, High-Performance LiDAR for Drone Surveys appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Company Doubles Manufacturing Capacity to Meet Urgent Demand Quantum Systems is increasing its production capacity in Ukraine in 2025, responding to the growing need for advanced drone technology in the ongoing war. The expansion aligns with Ukraine’s broader push to develop its domestic drone industry and strengthen its defense capabilities. The company, which has production […] The post Quantum Systems Expands Drone Production in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Successful Validation at Port of Antwerp-Bruges Showcases Advanced Airspace Safety Solutions Unifly, a UAS Traffic Management (UTM) technology company and part of Terra Drone Corporation (terra-drone.net), has successfully completed a port surveillance demonstration as part of the Certiflight project. Conducted at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges (PoAB), one of Europe’s largest and busiest ports, this demonstration […] The post Unifly Demonstrates Blockchain-Backed UTM for Port Surveillance in Certiflight Project appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

The DRONE Act of 2025 Seeks to Enhance Public Safety with Federal Support Representatives Lou Correa (D-CA) and Troy Nehls (R-TX) have introduced the bipartisan Directing Resources for Officers Navigating Emergencies (DRONE) Act of 2025. This bill would allow law enforcement agencies to use federal grants to purchase and operate drones, expanding access to technology […] The post Congress Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Drone Funding for Law Enforcement appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Platform Expands Drone Management Capabilities for U.S. Operators Drone management platform FlyFreely has been accepted as a provider for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). This designation allows FlyFreely to offer automated airspace authorizations for drone operations in controlled airspace across the United States. Expansion into U.S. Airspace Management […] The post FlyFreely Joins LAANC as an FAA-Approved Provider appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Feature Expands Applications for Defense, Public Safety, and More Eurolink Systems has added a tethered solution to its Beluga mini-drone, expanding its use for defense, law enforcement, public safety, and other critical applications. Tethered Drones: A Long History of Use Tethered systems date back to the 18th century, when kites and captive balloons were […] The post Eurolink Systems Introduces Tethered Capability for Beluga Mini-Drone appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Showcasing Innovations in Stabilization and Connectivity Gremsy and Nokia are teaming up to present their latest UAV integration solutions at XPONENTIAL Europe 2025. The event, known for bringing together experts in unmanned and autonomous systems, provides a platform to explore new advancements and industry challenges. This collaboration highlights ongoing efforts to improve UAV performance and […] The post Gremsy and Nokia Unveil UAV Integration Solutions at XPONENTIAL Europe 2025 appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Initiative Aims to Transform Urban Transportation The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an initiative to develop air corridors and regulatory frameworks for piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones. This effort, led by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in collaboration with the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) entities—Technology Innovation Institute (TII) […] The post UAE Maps Air Corridors for Air Taxis and Cargo Drones appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Successful Flight Tests in Czech Republic Highlight Real-Time Teaming Intelligence and Third-Party Integration for Military and Civilian Applications by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb European aeronautics giant Airbus and Czech company Primoco UAV recently partnered on a series of surveillance flights designed to test how Airbus’ new teaming intelligence software can be used to […] The post Airbus and Primoco UAV Demonstrate AI-Powered Drone Swarming in Surveillance Tests appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New all-in-one system integrates drone, field setup, and processing to simplify high-accuracy aerial mapping for surveyors of all experience levels. by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb Zurich, Switzerland-based drone developers Wingtra recently announced their new WingtraGROUND system, a new ground-control solution designed for the surveying space that combines “drone, field setup, and processing into […] The post Wingtra Unveils WingtraGROUND: A Seamless Ground Control Solution for Drone Surveying appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

South African Drone Developer Unveils Long-Endurance, Low-Cost Electric UAV for Defense and Commercial Applications by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb South Africa-based drone developer ALTI Unmanned recently unveiled their new Transition electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) drone, their first foray into the burgeoning all-electric space. With over 3 hours of flight endurance with […] The post ALTI Unmanned Enters the All-Electric Era with New Transition eVTOL Drone appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

The success of Phoenix Air Unmanned’s (PAU) 320-mile beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) pipeline patrolhighlights the growing role of drones in long-range industrial applications—applications that have the potential to dramatically shift the value proposition for uncrewed systems and reshape industry norms for pipeline inspection. Here, a look at one of the technologies that made […] The post Elsight’s Connectivity Powers Phoenix Air Unmanned’s 320-Mile BVLOS Pipeline Patrol for Shell appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Challenge to allow start-ups to show off counter-UAS tech By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Entrepreneurs hoping to develop the next big thing in counter-UAS technology will get an opportunity to show their stuff as part of the Proven in Pendleton Challenge, hosted by the Oregon UAS Accelerator this spring. The Challenge will offer more […] The post Startups Compete for $120K in Proven in Pendleton c-UAS Challenge appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

As both commercial and recreational UAVs become more common, two recent events highlight the potential risk to other aircraft and onlookers. In this DRONELIFE Exclusive guest post, Dr. Ryan Wallace of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Boeing Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety writes that drone incidents involving aircraft need to be a wake up call […] The post Protecting the Future of Drones: Why the Industry Needs to Step Up on Safety DRONELIFE Exclusive Guest Post appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Initiative Aims to Streamline Testing, Validation, and Deployment of Military Capabilities NUAIR has officially launched NUAIR Defense, a dedicated hub designed to simplify the process of verifying, validating, and deploying defense technologies. The initiative aims to remove bottlenecks that slow down military adoption of next-generation capabilities across air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operations. A […] The post NUAIR Defense Launches to Accelerate Defense Technology Readiness appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Indian Companies Introduce Advanced Drones as Global Demand Grows India is rapidly expanding its presence in the global drone industry as it works to establish itself as a key supplier of uncrewed systems. As the United States seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese-manufactured drones, Indian companies are stepping up with new offerings. At Aero India […] The post India Expands Drone Market with New UAVs at Aero India 2025 appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Hydrogen-Powered Drone Offers Long Endurance and Modular Design for Multiple Mission Profiles Heven Drones has unveiled the Raider, a hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial system (UAS) designed to provide extended flight endurance, enhanced payload capacity, and modular adaptability. The company will showcase the new platform at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi from February 17-21 at Booth #02-A17. […] The post Heven Drones Introduces Raider: Hydrogen-Powered UAS for Extended Operations appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

New Application Enables Efficient Infrastructure and Terrain Mapping Wingcopter has announced an expansion of its offerings to include long-range beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) LiDAR surveying solutions. The Wingcopter 198, the company’s flagship drone, will be equipped with advanced laser scanning and camera systems to enable rapid, high-quality data collection. The new system allows […] The post Wingcopter Expands into Long-Range LiDAR Surveying appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article

Company Releases First Photos Ahead of Expo 2025 Demonstration Flights All images courtesy SkyDrive Inc. SkyDrive Inc. has reached a significant milestone in the certification process for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) has issued a G-1 certification basis for the ‘SKYDRIVE’ eVTOL. This agreement outlines the […] The post SkyDrive Secures Certification Basis for eVTOL from Japan Civil Aviation Bureau appeared first on DRONELIFE. View the full article