New Pilot Program to Evaluate Commuter Demand and eVTOL Readiness Blade Air Mobility, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLDE) and Skyports Infrastructure have announced a partnership to expand Blade’s existing by-the-seat helicopter transfer service. The pilot program will connect the Downtown Manhattan Heliport with John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), offering a faster travel option for commuters and...

In this episode of Weekly Wings, Paul Rossi and Terry Neff dive into the latest developments in drone technology, global policy, and market shifts. They start by analyzing BYD’s groundbreaking EV-drone integration, where the world’s largest EV manufacturer has partnered with DJI to incorporate a docking system for autonomous drones in its vehicles. They debate the practicality of this...

Drone mapping technology has advanced significantly in recent years, with Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Post-Processed Kinematic (PPK) positioning emerging as game-changing technologies. These methods enhance mapping accuracy and efficiency, reducing reliance on traditional Ground Control Points (GCPs). SimActive, a leading provider of photogrammetry software, offers powerful tools for geospatial professionals, including its flagship product, Correlator3D....

DRONELIFE is honored to feature this op-ed from Oivier Defawe, Director at VillageReach, an organization pioneering the integration of drones into public health.  DRONELIFE neither makes nor accepts payment for guest posts.   All images credit Henry Sampangi Sanyulye, used with permission. Unlocking Africa’s Skies: Bridging the Infrastructure Gap with Drones By Olivier Defawe Africa’s infrastructure...

Latvia strengthens its defense capabilities with high-speed interceptor drone development Latvia has awarded a research and development (R&D) contract to Origin Robotics, a defense technology startup, for the development of a high-speed interceptor drone. The initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to build a multi-layered counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) and enhance national security...

The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has selected Pierce Aerospace’s B1 Remote ID Beacon for inclusion in the Blue UAS Framework. The selection marks a significant step in the verification process for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance and cybersecurity, paving the way for the B1’s Authority to Operate (ATO) under the...

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight is widely recognized as a key enabler for the commercial drone industry. With the ability to fly drones over long distances without direct human oversight, BVLOS operations unlock new possibilities for industries such as delivery, infrastructure inspection, and defense. However, one of the biggest challenges to BVLOS adoption...

Emlid, a European maker of high-precision GNSS equipment, has partnered with Wingtra, a provider of VTOL drone technology in surveying and mapping, to contribute to the new WingtraGROUND—an all-in-one survey kit that simplifies base station and checkpoint setup. WingtraGROUND offers turnkey infrastructure for on-site PPK surveys with WingtraONE Gen II, a VTOL drone widely regarded...

Topcon Positioning Systems and Pix4D have announced a strategic agreement that combines their expertise in geopositioning and photogrammetry solutions. The collaboration includes Topcon becoming an authorized distributor of Pix4D’s photogrammetry software portfolio, which offers their customers even greater access to high-precision positioning and 3D mapping technologies. This strategic alignment strengthens the delivery of advanced reality capture solutions across...

SimActive announces the use of its Correlator3D product with Phase One cameras in the mapping of large oil & gas operation projects by Air Data Solutions (ADS). The software allows direct import of Phase One’s IIQ image format for the creation of accurate map products, including DSMs, point clouds and orthomosaics.  “Being able to import...