BY Patrick C. MillerCanadian drone operator In-Flight Data and Swiss UAS manufacturer senseFly have collaborated on North America's first BVLOS project in a major city. Mapping data was collected for a new cemetery planned in Calgary, Alberta. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerAn optical and laser designation system made by UTC Aerospace Systems has been selected to equip the PAE ISR Resolute Eagle UAS. The TASE400 LD provides integrated onboard video processing with image stabilization and enhancement capability. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerBoston-based Avitas Systems has received approval from the FAA to use radar for commercial BVLOS drone operations in Texas. The company will be inspecting oil and gas infrastructure for Shell Oil Co., a first step toward expanded UAS operations. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerA new study from Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University of DJI drone flights near Daytona Beach International Airport in Florida shows the need for geofencing. The study found that about 20 percent of the flights presented a risk to manned aircraft. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerThe new FAA Reauthorization Act will not only open the door for more commercial opportunities within the UAS industry, but also provide a better-defined regulatory path forward. Aviation attorneys and industry insiders discussed the key takeaways. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerKansas-based Ainstein has introduced a new air-to-air radar for UAS platforms and a new ground-based radar capable of detecting drones more than 3,200 feet away. Both feature digital beam forming for precise measurements and 3D detection. READ MORE

BY Federal Aviation Administration The FAA has approved nine new partners to the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) initiative, which provides near real-time processing of airspace authorizations for Part 107 drone operators flying in controlled airspace. READ MORE

BY Aerial Alchemy California-based Aerial Alchemy is collaborating with the U.S. Navy to study the possibility of using UAS to inspect ships, enhancing maintenance and fleet readiness. The drones will create 3D digital models to spot damage and corrosion. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerThe NUAIR Alliance will partner with Thales, an international air traffic management company, to help integrate unmanned aircraft into controlled airspace. The agreement will also support New York's 50-mile UAS corridor between Rome and Syracuse. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerBased on experience from Hurricane Harvey, Texas researchers and engineers are developing a fleet of autonomous drones equipped to detect, track and model hazardous air pollutants released during accidents and natural disasters. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerAviation manufacturer Lockheed Martin and the Drone Racing League have launched the AlphaPilot Innovation Challenge to encourage the development of AI technology for fully autonomous drone flights. A share of $2 million in prizes is up for grabs. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerThe eBee X, the latest version of senseFly's fixed-wing drone, offers three new camera options, greater durability and longer flight times for a wide variety of mapping applications. The objective is more efficient, higher quality data collection. READ MORE

BY Patrick C. MillerPrecisionHawk has purchased HAZON Solutions and InspecTools to strengthen its position in the drone inspection of energy infrastructure. In addition, the company formed a partnership with EagleView Technologies, which works in the insurance industry. READ MORE

BY The Boeing Co. The Boeing Co. will build the U.S. Navy's MQ-25, its first carrier-based unmanned aircraft. The MQ-25 will be deployed as an aerial refueler for manned aircraft. The Navy recently awarded Boeing an $805 million contract for four aircraft. READ MORE

BY Luke GeiverAfter joining with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in May as part of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's Integration Pilot Program, Echodyne has taken another major step towards expanding the use of its unique radar. READ MORE