Weekly Wings: DroneLife.com

In this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi and Terry Neff dive into the latest drone and aviation developments. The episode begins with a heartwarming story of a missing 4-year-old child in Millersville, located quickly with the help of a drone deployed by local emergency teams and volunteer firefighters. The hosts discuss the critical role of drones in public safety and the collaboration required to make such operations successful - https://smokeybarn.com/missing-4-year-old-found-safe-by-drone-in-under-an-hour-in-millersville/

The conversation then shifts to Skydio's latest $170 million funding round and its implications for the company’s future. Despite the challenges surrounding supply chains and political restrictions, the company is positioning itself as a leader in defense and enterprise drone solutions, including potential contracts across Japan and the U.S. The hosts explore the financial and technological factors driving this growth - https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/15/drone-manufacturer-skydio-raises-170-million-extension-round/

Next, they highlight a major acquisition in battery technology. Lytton’s purchase of Kuberg’s facility in California aims to ramp up production of lithium-sulfur batteries for drones and ground robotics. This development promises to strengthen the U.S. drone and defense industries with domestic battery production, meeting critical supply chain needs - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/13/lyten-acquires-cubergs-facility-to-boost-us-lithium-sulfur-battery-production-for-drone-and-defense-applications/

The hosts also touch on Sikorsky's autonomous Blackhawk helicopter, now branded as the Firehawk. This cutting-edge innovation demonstrates its ability to autonomously suppress wildfires, saving lives and resources while reducing risk to human pilots. The demonstration, attended by FEMA, NASA, and DARPA, showcases the potential of autonomous helicopters in disaster response - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/12/autonomous-black-hawk-helicopter-demonstrates-precise-wildfire-suppression/

Additionally, they preview the upcoming Vets2Drones event at Baltimore's Camden Yards. The event offers a unique opportunity for U.S. military veterans and public safety personnel to network, learn, and fly drones. With free registration and hands-on experience provided, the hosts encourage those in the region to participate - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/12/autonomous-black-hawk-helicopter-demonstrates-precise-wildfire-suppression/

In a fascinating turn, the team highlights efforts in Australia to conserve endangered koalas using thermal drones. These drones help researchers identify koala populations in remote wildlife sanctuaries without disturbing their natural habitats. This groundbreaking application is aiding conservationists in protecting this iconic species and monitoring its health and behavior - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/08/drones-detect-endangered-koalas-in-australias-waulinbakh-wildlife-sanctuary/

In the realm of security, the hosts discuss the deployment of robotic dogs at Mar-a-Lago for U.S. Secret Service operations. These advanced machines provide 24/7 surveillance, GPS tracking, and enhanced situational awareness, offering a glimpse into the future of security systems - https://x.com/collinrugg/status/1855021898997927954?s=46

Wrapping up, the conversation shifts to ANRA Technologies’ advancements in beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The FAA’s recent letter of acceptance for ANRA’s conflict detection and conformance monitoring systems paves the way for safer and more efficient BVLOS drone missions. The hosts explain how this breakthrough supports applications such as powerline inspections and urban drone delivery networks - https://dronelife.com/2024/11/08/faa-approval-allows-anra-technologies-services-to-support-bvlos-waiver-applications/ and https://dronelife.com/2024/11/13/u...

In this exciting episode of Weekly Wings, hosted by Paul Rossi and Samuel Stansberry, we dive into the dazzling world of drone light shows, celebrating the Fourth of July with stunning visuals and some unexpected mishaps. We explore the intricacies of these aerial spectacles, including a deep dive into a spectacular show in Denver and a dramatic fail over water.

We also turn our attention to the burgeoning Ukrainian drone industry, where innovation meets necessity. Discover how volunteers and small companies are stepping up to support their country’s defense efforts, crafting drones with limited resources but immense ingenuity.

Next, we take you to the streets of Chicago for a thrilling look at NASCAR’s street course, captured through the lens of FPV drones. The episode features incredible footage and insights into how drone technology is revolutionizing sports broadcasting.

In our regulatory corner, we discuss the recent repeal of North Carolina's drone permit requirement and the implications of unexpected TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions), using a postponed drone show as a case study.

Tune in for a jam-packed episode full of expert insights, industry updates, and a peek into the future of drone technology. Subscribe now and never miss an episode of Weekly Wings, where the future is looking up!

In this insightful episode of the Weekly Wings podcast, Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry, and Terry Neff bring you the latest in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology and its impact across various sectors. The episode kicks off with a detailed look at how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is leveraging advanced drones to improve wildfire weather forecasting. These drones are designed to gather crucial atmospheric data in real-time, offering a glimpse into the future of disaster management - https://www.denver7.com/news/wildfire/noaa-using-new-drone-to-gather-crucial-weather-information-during-active-wildfires

The discussion then shifts to the University of Memphis, which has secured significant funding to develop a cutting-edge UAS testing facility. This new center will push the boundaries of drone capabilities, particularly in adverse weather conditions, setting the stage for future military and commercial applications - https://www.memphisflyer.com/university-of-memphis-secures-30m-contract-to-develop-drone-testing-facility

In a fascinating tech spotlight, the team explores the "Ghost Shark," an autonomous undersea vehicle developed by Anduril Industries. This formidable submarine drone is poised to revolutionize undersea warfare and surveillance, showcasing the rapidly evolving landscape of military technology - https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/08/23/us-ghost-shark-submarine-drone/

The episode also covers a concerning trend in prison smuggling, where drones have been used to deliver contraband into Georgia prisons over the past five years. The hosts discuss the implications of this illegal activity and the challenges of counter-drone technologies in secure environments -https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/23-indicted-alleged-schemes-smuggle-drugs-phones-georgia-113025806

On a more positive note, the success stories segment highlights two heartwarming rescues: a 93-year-old woman found in Tennessee and a missing child located on Oak Island, North Carolina, both thanks to the quick deployment of drones by local emergency services - https://www.wsmv.com/2024/08/24/missing-93-year-old-woman-found-sumner-county-using-drone/ and https://www.wect.com/2024/08/23/missing-child-found-by-drone-unit-oak-island/

Finally, the regulatory corner dives into the FAA's latest actions, including a waiver granted to Cyberhawk for expanded beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and a detailed breakdown of over $340,000 in civil penalties issued to drone operators for various infractions - https://dronelife.com/2024/08/21/cyberhawk-receives-faa-waiver-for-expanded-u-s-drone-operations/ and https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-proposed-341413-civil-penalties-against-drone-operators#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Federal%20Aviation%20Administration,October%202022%20and%20June%202024.

Key Takeaways:

• NOAA's Innovative Drones: How drones are enhancing wildfire forecasting and disaster management.
• University of Memphis UAS Center: The role of military funding in advancing drone technology for adverse weather conditions.
• Ghost Shark Submarine: The future of autonomous undersea vehicles and their potential impact on military operations.
• Prison Smuggling via Drones: The rise of drone-facilitated contraband deliveries and the need for effective counter-UAS measures.
• Drone-Assisted Rescues: Success stories of drones finding missing individuals in both rural and populated areas.
• FAA Civil Penalties: The implications of recent FAA fines and waivers for the drone industry.

In this week's episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry, and Terry Neff dive into exciting drone-related innovations and their impact across various industries. The episode begins with an exploration of FPV Logic, an FPV simulator available on Steam. Samuel shares his firsthand experience using it as a tool to train in first-person-view (FPV) drone piloting, highlighting its value for beginners and seasoned pilots alike - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2398030/FPV_LOGIC/

The conversation then shifts to recent developments in counter-UAS technology. The hosts discuss the testing of advanced counter-UAS systems by the U.S. Marines and Israel, which are designed to neutralize potential aerial threats like drone swarms, emphasizing the growing need for such systems in modern defense - https://defensescoop.com/2024/10/11/marines-lmadis-counter-drone-system-wti-course/

Next, they look at the use of drones for installing sensors on power lines. This cutting-edge technology allows for the rapid installation of sensors to monitor power grids, improving safety and efficiency with minimal human involvement. The hosts marvel at the speed and precision of these drone operations - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/10/drones-install-powerline-sensors-in-seconds-as-heimdall-power-aims-to-meet-u-s-grid-compliance/

The episode also covers the Saildrone’s deployment into Hurricane Milton, where it collected critical weather data, showcasing drones’ abilities to withstand extreme environments while providing valuable information during natural disasters - https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/video/noaa-saildrone-first-look-at-milton-waves-in-gulf

In the world of entertainment, the team discusses Tesla’s recent “We Robot” event, which featured a spectacular drone light show. This was followed by Denver’s upcoming 40-night drone light show event for the holiday season, bringing awe-inspiring visuals to the sky every night starting in November - https://dronexl.co/2024/10/11/tesla-wows-crowd-drone-show-we-robot-event/ and https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/drone-show-downtown-denver-holiday-season/

On a more serious note, the episode explores the use of Skyfire AI in Western North Carolina for hurricane relief efforts. Drones, equipped with AI, were deployed to assist in search-and-rescue missions and deliver essential supplies to areas cut off by the storm - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/10/skyfire-is-on-the-ground-for-hurricane-response-an-inside-look-at-the-mission/

In a fascinating twist, the team highlights a new discovery—a previously unknown plant species identified by a drone collecting samples from the side of a cliff. This use of drones in scientific research is opening new frontiers for exploration in hard-to-reach environments - https://www.popsci.com/technology/drone-discovers-plant/

Finally, the episode concludes with a look at "lights-out" inventory management in warehouses, where drones equipped with advanced sensors are able to conduct inventory in complete darkness, offering businesses a new way to increase efficiency and reduce energy costs - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/08/corvus-robotics-launches-autonomous-inventory-system-for-lights-out-warehouses/

In this week’s episode of Weekly Wings, Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry and Terry Neff cover a wide range of fascinating drone and space topics. The episode begins with a dive into the awe-inspiring Shenzhen drone light show, which featured over 10,000 drones creating stunning 3D shapes and dynamic animations in celebration of China’s National Day. The hosts marvel at the impressive display, discussing the technical and artistic feats achieved through these large-scale drone shows - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3gevG5KVL0

Next, the discussion shifts to Geodnet, a decentralized RTK network solution for high-precision positioning. Paul shares his personal experience with installing Geodnet miners and highlights the network’s rapid growth and potential as a passive income stream within the drone industry - https://console.geodnet.com/map

The team then introduces Flyability’s new cloud-based software for the Elios 3 drone. This software allows users to store, process, and share data collected during inspections of confined spaces, making it easier to collaborate and make decisions based on the collected data, all within a streamlined platform - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/03/flyability-unveils-new-cloud-solution-for-elios-3-at-intergeo-2024/

Turning to the military front, the hosts cover the U.S. Marines’ adoption of a microwave-based counter-UAS system, designed to neutralize drone swarms. They discuss the system’s capabilities in melting enemy drones mid-air, a crucial advancement in modern military operations - https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/09/30/marines-to-receive-new-system-for-zapping-drone-swarms-out-of-the-sky/

The conversation then moves to the latest advancements in drone delivery, including Google Wing and Matternet’s most recent announcements. The hosts explore how robots and drones are teaming up to revolutionize last-mile deliveries, offering new levels of efficiency - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/01/serve-robotics-and-wing-join-forces-for-robot-drone-delivery-cooperation/ and https://dronelife.com/2024/10/02/matternet-launches-first-drone-home-delivery-service-in-silicon-valley-video/

Shifting gears, they highlight how drones played a crucial role in hurricane relief efforts in western North Carolina, delivering essential supplies to remote areas that were inaccessible by road. Drones were used not only for delivering supplies but also for nighttime search and rescue missions - https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/piedmont-triad/surry-county-farmer-using-drone-to-deliver-supplies-to-western-north-carolina/

In a fascinating case study, the team explores how tiny radar chips mounted on bees are helping researchers track their movements and better understand pollination patterns. The innovative use of drones equipped with receivers is pushing the boundaries of agricultural and environmental research - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9jzv27lv2o

The episode concludes with a look at how Delta Airlines is using drones for aircraft maintenance inspections. With FAA approval, Delta is incorporating drones to inspect their fleet following lightning strikes, speeding up inspections while keeping technicians safe from hazardous work conditions - https://news.delta.com/industry-first-faa-accepts-deltas-plan-use-drones-maintenance-inspections