Not-so-secret spaceplane to use “first-of-a-kind maneuver” to change orbit

The US Space Force’s secret-but-not-really-secret spaceplane will carry out a novel maneuver called aerobraking to change its orbit. Instead of using thrusters, the robotic spacecraft will dip into the Earth’s atmosphere to change its trajectory.Contin… Continue reading Not-so-secret spaceplane to use “first-of-a-kind maneuver” to change orbit

Rocket-powered Aurora is a go for unlimited-speed high-altitude flight

The Mk-II Aurora suborbital spaceplane took to the skies last year for its maiden flight with a rocket engine. Now Dawn Aerospace has been give the official nod from New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority to undertake test flights at unlimited speeds.C… Continue reading Rocket-powered Aurora is a go for unlimited-speed high-altitude flight

Autonomous EHang eVTOL jumpstarts nascent pilotless air tourism industry

Imagine stepping aboard an empty aircraft that looks to have landed straight from the future, strapping in and sitting back while soaring through the air and taking in the scenery, all without so much as a pilot there to encroach upon the privacy of yo… Continue reading Autonomous EHang eVTOL jumpstarts nascent pilotless air tourism industry

Semi-secret US Air Force long-endurance spy drone breaks cover

An open-secret American spy plane has broken cover after the US Air Force released photos of its Unmanned Long-endurance Tactical Reconnaissance Aircraft (ULTRA). Built by DZYNE, the semi-classified drone is now confirmed as deployed and active.Continu… Continue reading Semi-secret US Air Force long-endurance spy drone breaks cover

Video: USAF shows off cutting-edge X-67A’s maiden flight

The US Air Force has released a video of the maiden flight of its XQ-67A demonstrator drone. Taken on February 28, 2024, the footage shows the autonomous aircraft strutting its stuff in the skies over Gray Butte Field Airport, Palmdale, California.Cont… Continue reading Video: USAF shows off cutting-edge X-67A’s maiden flight

€9 million in military robots ordered from German startup by NATO

ARX Robotics has just received €9 million (US$9.7M) from the NATO Innovation Fund to develop a series of robust unmanned ground vehicles. The modular design of the bots makes them capable of filling a variety of roles in the alliance’s attack and defen… Continue reading €9 million in military robots ordered from German startup by NATO

MCL Viper system gives military vehicles multi-drone launch capacity

At this week’s DSEI Defence exhibition in London, SpearUAV unveiled its Multi Canister Launcher (MCL) Viper system, which is bolted onto the outside of conventional and robotic military vehicles to launch Viper drones without exposing soldiers to harm…. Continue reading MCL Viper system gives military vehicles multi-drone launch capacity

165-mile Project Skyway to become the world’s longest highway for drones

A stretch of airspace spanning 165 miles (265 km) across England is set to become the world’s longest dedicated drone corridor, with the UK government approving plans for the initiative as part of a wider push into next-generation aviation. Called Skyw… Continue reading 165-mile Project Skyway to become the world’s longest highway for drones

Israel Ministry of Defense to test drone-packing advanced robotic tank

The Israeli Ministry of Defense plans to begin testing of a Medium Robotic Combat Vehicle (M-RCV) next year. The vehicle unveiled last week at the Eurosatory Defense and Security Exhibition in Paris by Elbit Systems will act as an advanced technology d… Continue reading Israel Ministry of Defense to test drone-packing advanced robotic tank

Natilus freight drone’s blended wing design packs in 60% more cargo

As it stands, air freight is incredibly quick but also very expensive, while ocean freight is far slower but very cost-effective. Californian startup Natilus is out to bridge the gap with a new breed of unmanned aircraft that uses a unique blended wing… Continue reading Natilus freight drone’s blended wing design packs in 60% more cargo