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Explore UST’s round-up of our five most read articles in the industry this week, including new technologies, collaborations, white papers, and industry successes.
1. IE-FLIGHT Hydrogen Fuel Cell System for Aviation Unveiled
Intelligent Energy (IE), a leading developer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems for UAV, has launched the IE-FLIGHT™ family of aviation fuel cell products at Farnborough International Airshow.
Designed for sub-regional and regional aircraft, this new line represents a significant step towards sustainable aviation.
The flagship product, the IE-FLIGHT F300 Fuel Cell System, is versatile enough for use in eVTOL, sub-regional, and regional aircraft applications, and can be installed in new Part-23 aircraft designs or retrofitted onto existing ones.
2. AuterionOS-Powered Blue Approved Drone Launched
Freefly Systems has launched the Astro Prime, a Blue certified small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) platform and powered by Auterion‘s onboard software platform, AuterionOS.
The latest AuterionOS has improved the support for the Sony ILX-LR1 – a professional camera designed specifically for industrial UAV applications with a 61.0 effective megapixel, full-frame image sensor and interchangeable E-mount lenses.
The AuterionOS enhancements optimize the computing performances, introduce full support for video recording operations and significantly improve the video streaming quality when working with Sony ILX-LR1.
3. Partnership to Develop Small Affordable UAS Engines
GE Aerospace and Kratos Turbine Technologies have confirmed that the two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner on the development and production of small affordable engines that could potentially power unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and similar applications.
The partnership builds on an existing joint development agreement and includes full-scale engine production.
For the last year, GE Aerospace and Kratos have been working together on a small affordable engine. The engine was initially developed and ground tested by Kratos. Under the existing joint agreement, GE Aerospace and Kratos completed additional development efforts and are now conducting tests on the engine.
4. Water-Cooled Drone for Desert Missions Unveiled
Skyfront’s Perimeter 8+ WC, a variant of the company’s hybrid-electric Perimeter 8+ drone equipped with a water-cooled engine and heat-tolerant avionics, is now available for desert operations worldwide.
Skyfront is a global leader in high endurance hybrid drones, with this latest Skyfront Perimeter 8+ WC designed to provide reliable drone operations in the most austere desert environments in temperatures up to 50°C (122°F).
Traditional battery-powered drones face significant challenges in high-temperature conditions, including faster battery degradation, reduced lifespan, and the risk of battery fires. Similarly, air-cooled engines on drones can overheat.
5. Exclusive Q&A: Examining the Impact of UAS in Forestry Management & Control
UST sat down with Dirk Giles, National UAS Program Manager for the US Forest Service, to discuss the innovative use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in forestry management and wildfire control.
Dirk gives us an informative understanding of the agency’s rigorous pilot training efforts, the high level of trust between piloted aviation and UAS operations, and the critical importance of communication and coordination in maintaining operational awareness.
There is also a fascinating look at the agency’s unique partnerships with UAS manufacturers, their one-stop-shop solution to maintenance and tracking through AlarisPro, and the balance between technological investment and supporting the dedicated professionals who operate this equipment in intensely challenging environments.
