As 2024 draws to a close, Unmanned Systems Technology reflects on a year filled with groundbreaking advancements and insights in the unmanned sector.
Below we revisit our top five exclusive interviews in 2024, talking with industry trailblazers – from exploring the transformative role of UAS in wildfire management and environmental monitoring, to unveiling cutting-edge propulsion technologies and drone safety systems. These conversations provided a unique lens into the ingenuity shaping the future of unmanned systems across diverse applications.
The Impact of UAS in Forestry Management & Control
Exclusive interview with National UAS Program Manager for the US Forest Service Dirk Giles
In July 2024 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.
ParaZero’s Custom Integration & The Mavic Parachute System
ParaZero’s Amir Lavi sat down with UST to discuss the company’s custom integration capabilities
ParaZero Technologies, a leader in advanced drone safety solutions, sat down with UST to discuss the company’s innovative parachute recovery systems (PRS) designed to enhance operational safety for a wide range of unmanned aerial platforms.
With custom integration capabilities, ParaZero offers tailored solutions for both multirotor and fixed-wing drones, ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards. In this interview, we find out how ParaZero’s SafeAir systems provide real-time monitoring and emergency parachute deployment to mitigate risks during flight.
Unmanned Systems for Cutting-Edge Scientific Applications
Black Swift Technologies discusses the latest development of unmanned systems for cutting-edge scientific applications
In March of this year Black Swift Technologies took time out to talk UST through their extraordinary systems. With systems designed for the extremes of scientific research around the world, and purpose-built to monitor and assess natural phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and volcanoes, Black Swift Technologies discussed what it takes to design and build unmanned aerial systems to meet the complex demands of nomadic scientific field campaigns in harsh environments.
Implementing PEM Fuel Cells in Unmanned Systems
Intelligent Energy, discusses the advantages and challenges of implementing PEM fuel cells in unmanned systems
In an exclusive Q&A with UST in October, Tony Meadowcroft, Technical Lead for UAV products at Intelligent Energy, shares insights into the company’s fuel cell technology and its impact on the unmanned systems industry.
Intelligent Energy is a pioneer in the development of PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cell technology for unmanned aerial systems. This innovative approach to drone power solutions has resulted in lightweight, power-dense UAV fuel cell modules that overcome traditional battery limitations, offering extended flight times and operational ranges while delivering clean DC power in a compact, rapidly refuelable package.
Developments in the Drone Industry & Future Uncrewed Trends
UAV Propulsion Tech, talks with UST about recent developments in the drone industry, and gives an insightful look into future uncrewed trends
In an exclusive UST interview with UAV Propulsion Tech, a key player in the uncrewed systems sector, Bob Schmidt, the CEO and Founder at UAV Propulsion Tech, delves into the significant changes and emerging trends within the unmanned industry in recent years. The interview also explores the challenges faced by European companies looking to export to the US, and anticipates future trends in the rapidly evolving unmanned sector.
