UAVs for 3D Mapping

Lockheed Martin has released a commercial software, named Hydra Fusion Tools, that allows to create a real-world 3D Map of any site. Hydra Fusion runs on commercial computers leveraging state-of-the-art graphical processing units, to render the entire evolving scene in real time, as the UAV flies: The images are geometrically stitched together into an immersive three dimensional world view, showcasing buildings, trees, vehicles, terrain, etc.

“Hydra Fusion Tools’ stand-out feature is its ability to turn big data into actionable intelligence,” says John Molberg, business development manager at Lockheed Martin CDL Systems. “This is true world-leading technology – there is nothing else out there that does this, everything else is just post-processing.”

The system comes in two variants: the baseline Hydra for commercial use, with agriculture and first responder application, and Hydra Tactical, which is specifically for military use.

Airbus: UAVs for aircrafts inspection

Airbus has demonstrated he benefits of using UAVs for aircraft visual inspection at the Farnborough International Airshow.

With this new method, the aircraft downtime for inspection is reduced to 10 to 15 minutes, instead of 2 hours using conventional methods.

The images catched up by the UAV cameras and especially those showing any potential non-quality such as scratches, dents and painting defects, are compiled in a 3D digital model, recorded in a database and then analysed. 

In addition, picture analysis can be done anytime afterwards and in an office, so the benefits of this innovative tool and process are significant: “The use of this new technology offers better working conditions including improving the safety and comfort for the quality inspectors”, says Nathalie Ducombeau, Airbus head of quality.

UAVs Could Soon Fly As Flocks

UAVs will soon be able to manage their work without human input, radar or even GPS satellite navigation, according to a team of researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia. Deploying the knowledge about the mechanisms of visual guidance in birds and bugs, researchers will be able to develop a novel biologically inspired technology for drones. (Read more)

Bayraktar UAV Now Deployed By Turkish Police

The Turkish National Police is now putting the Bayraktar TB2 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) into service. The Bayraktar TB2, which was developed and produced in Turkey, is used in terrorist operations in the country’s eastern and southeastern Anatolia regions. The Bayraktar TB2 proved its accuracy during shooting tests made with integrated national missiles in April.

Aleppo: SDF Shoot Down ISIL ISR-UAV

The SDF shot down an ISIL ISR-UAV equipped with imaging devices and bombs, flying over their positions near the town of Manbij in Northeastern Aleppo. The UAV was brought down after it was intercepted over positions of Manbij Military Council, affiliated to the Kurdish-led SDF.

Significant Aspects of the FAA’s Drone Rules

The Federal Aviation Administration has released its much anticipated Part 107 rules, which cover the use of drones for non-recreational purposes in the U.S. airspace system. The Part 107 rules are based on a document called the Notice of Proposed Rule-making (NPRM), which was released in February 2015. (Read more)

US To double Drones in Afghanistan

For the Pentagon, it seems, drones are invaluable: The United States is looking to reduce its man presence in Afghanistan, and instead “the Air Force aims to double the number of drone squadrons over the next five years,” the Hindustan Times reports. Drones are already a major presence in Afghanistan in particular, and in US missions around the world at large. “In the wars we fight, this is the future,” said drone pilot Lt. Shaw, who operates out of the US Air Force drone base in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. The US doesn’t release detailed statistics of drone involvement in Afghanistan, but it is clear that they play a major role in operations in the country. (Read more)