The Many Ways Drones Are Becoming Invaluable for Scientific Research

The Many Ways Drones Are Becoming Invaluable for Scientific Research

Anyone familiar with drones is no doubt aware of their military use and their burgeoning popularity among hobbyist unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots. While most are likely aware that they’re increasingly employed for commercial applications as well (cinematography, delivery, agriculture, etc.). However, less well-known is that drones are becoming an increasingly invaluable asset to scientific research. That value is proving to be an impressively prolific one, too.

In fact, drones are being taken advantage of by biologists (micro, marine, terrestrial, etc.), climatologists, geologists, ecologists, volcanologists, and meteorologists—so scientists in pretty much every branch of natural and life science are benefitting from the use of UAVs. Drones are demonstrating an ability to reach places with more agility, easier access, and (extremely important for virtually all scientific studies), far lower cost than other research media are capable. The following is a record of just a few of ways in which drones are emerging as a precious scientific aid, both above water and land.

Above Water

Drone technology is being deployed over bodies of water for a variety of reasons. Thermal imagery from above is revealing fascinating, and often daunting, data regarding the effect of climate change on coastal regions. It’s proven particularly beneficial in arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. Drone propellers, being safer to engage right over the surface of oceans, rivers, ponds, and lakes, allow UAVs to perform a more active role.

In a series of studies undertaken in the Arctic and tropical waters, drones have dropped pods the size of a soda can called “micro-drifters” that collect and analyze the atmosphere for temperature, pressure, and water vapor levels. Once in the water, a micro-drifter functions as a sort of micro-buoy capable of recording and transmitting data about salinity and temperature measurements at different depths back to the drone.

Biologists have also been using drones to collect a wealth of health and other biological information from the blowhole exhalations of whales. In fact, an analysis of just 19 whale blow samples revealed six new species of virus from five different families.

Above Land

It’s known that animal research is often influenced by the fact that observing the subjects can influence their behavior. Drones have been found to at least mitigate this. Scientists and citizen scientists alike have been able to observe populations of bears, flamingos, sea turtles, leopard seals, the earlier-mentioned whales, migratory seabirds, and many, many more, with drones. And apparently, they do so with significantly greater accuracy than more traditional means. This, along with the emergence of less intrusive drones, such as ones made to resemble small creatures like hummingbirds, means the observing can be done with even less stress to the studied populations.

In a practical application that could save farmers a good amount of money, drones have recently been used to identify diseased olive trees by temperature differentials, which allows the scientists to cull them before they show symptoms (which is long after they are contagious).

Additionally, a team in Costa Rica took advantage of the fact that a drone motor isn’t as at risk of having its engine clogged with ash to study the noxious, poisonous gasses being vented by volcanoes. On top of these examples, there are dozens of additional experiments being undertaken with drones, and seemingly, only more to come.

About XOAR

For more than 40 years, XOAR has been recognized as an industry-leading innovator for their contributions as well as the precision, quality, and efficiency of their drone technology. Their RC propellers, drone motors, and other UAV products employ cutting-edge technology and the finest material, most skillful engineering, and the highest standard of manufacturing. That expertise extends to industrial UAVs, propellers for LSA, civilian aviation, ultralight aircraft, commercial applications, RC airplanes, mid-to-large size UAVs (including octocopter parts and gear), and more. XOAR’s propellers have been long lauded for quietness during flight, their superior agility, impressively low air friction, and overall excellent performance while in flight.

Take your UAV to far greater heights for your drone hobby or drone business, at www.xoarintl.com

 

 

The United States Federal Regulations Surrounding Drone Ownership

The United States Federal Regulations Surrounding Drone Ownership

Gone are the days of free, unrestricted drone flying in the U.S. Since 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been rolling out regulations and restrictions that maintain safety in the airspace above us. You must adhere to these restrictions whether you fly for fun or for your livelihood.

In addition to these restrictions, you should also respect your fellow flight enthusiasts and those around you. One way to do this is to spring for a quieter drone motor. It’s also a good practice to check the skies before you fly so you’re aware of any other drones already in the airspace.

If you fly for fun

Flying for recreation has a different set of guidelines than commercial drone flying. You will need to register your drone aircraft with the FAA. Registration costs $5 and is valid for a period of three years.

In addition to registering your drone, as a hobby flyer, you’ll have to keep your drone at or below 400 feet and in your line of sight. Your drone must weigh under 55 pounds unless certified by a community-based organization.

You will also have to adhere to temporary flight restrictions that occur during hazardous conditions such as a wildfire or chemical spill.

If you fly for work

Under the FAA’s Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) rule, you can register your drone for commercial and recreational use. If you use your drone for any commercial operations, you’ll want to choose this option. You will still have to register your drone with the FAA, and the cost to do that is still $5 per aircraft, which is valid for three years. However, unlike a hobbyist, you’ll need to label your unmanned aircraft with your registration number.

You’ll also need to acquire a remote pilot certification from the FAA, fly a drone under 55 pounds, and maintain a visual line-of-sight while flying. You also can’t fly in controlled airspace or near other aircraft or over people. Fly only during daylight at or below 400 feet.

Some of these rules, like visual line-of-sight and flying over people, can be waived by completing a special request with the FAA.

Registering your drone

In order to register, you’ll need to visit faadronezone.faa.gov, meet the following criteria, and have these materials:

  • Be at least 13 years of age (if the owner is younger have an adult register)
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Email address
  • Credit or debit card
  • Physical address and mailing address (if different from physical address)
  • Make and model of your unmanned aircraft

Where you can’t fly

In addition to temporary flight restrictions, there are also restrictions that limit any flying of drones in a no drone zone, and you must never fly near any emergency response efforts. Also never fly near other aircraft. If you’re flying within 5 miles of an airport, you must notify air traffic control.

Where you shouldn’t fly

Maintain a respect for others when you fly. Don’t be a nuisance who disrupts others. Follow the FAA guidelines, and you’ll be having fun with your drone for years to come.

B4UFLY Mobile App

Utilize the B4UFLY Mobile App for the latest, real-time information concerning airspace restrictions and other flying requirements targeted for your GPS location.

About XOAR

XOAR has been helping hobbyists fly better for over 40 years. Their dedication to innovation and technology allow them to offer high-quality products that out-perform their competitors. XOAR specializes in designing and manufacturing contemporary drone propellers for Industrial UAVs, Mid-Large Size UAV, Civil Aviation, Ultralight Aircraft, LSA, Commercial applications, and RC Airplane market. Crafted from quality materials, a finished XOAR prop offers a reduced noise level—especially when using a XOAR drone motor—as well as increased agility, low air friction, and accurate performance in the air.

Go higher with XOAR at www.xoarintl.com

 

 

Drone University USA & XOAR on TV & Radio

Drone University USA & XOAR on TV & Radio

Drone University USA was actively involved with TV, radio and newspaper interviews educating the general public on drone safety, the FAA, sUAS registration, the future of sUAS/drones in December 2015. They have done tremendous work to represent our industry in the future with accurate and straight forward facts to be reported to the public. Our partner Nick from Drone Cowboy is a part-time instructor was featured in the interviews with the media demoing flights with Xoar Props.

Xoar Propellers

Drone Cowboy

Click the links below to watch and read.

KTVU FOX 2- SF Bay Area

KCRA NBC 3- Sacramento, CA

KTXL FOX 40- Sacramento, CA

KOVR CBS 13- Sacramento, CA

KMAX Good Morning 31- Sacramento, CA

San Jose Mercury News

Chad Benson Radio Show

Malloy Aeronautics Hoverbike

Malloy Aeronautics Hoverbike

Latest news on Malloy Aeronautics’s Hoverbike at Paris Air Show 2015, it is partnering with a Maryland-based defense company to develop a hoverbike for the US military. Working with Survice Engineering Co., the UK aeronautics company will set up shop in Maryland as part of “an ongoing research and development contract.” The duo will also work with the US Army Research Laboratory on the project that aims to create “a new class of Tactical Reconnaissance Vehicle (TRV).”

While developing for the military will play a big role in the future of the technology, Malloy was keen to emphasize that there’s still a lot of potential for the use of the tech in humanitarian applications. For example, multiple Hoverbikes could be loaded into troop carrier aircraft (the vehicle is designed to fold up for easier transport), dispatched to disaster zones and tasked with delivering vital supplies, or even autonomously removing people from danger.

Source: Malloy Aeronautics

Mooney – An Aviation Legend Is Back

Mooney – An Aviation Legend Is Back

Mooney Aviation Company, Inc (formerly the Mooney Aircraft Company), founded by Albert Mooney and his brother Arthur in 1929, has gone through a very rich history. After going through many years of ups and downs, Mooney Aviation got acquired by Soaring America Corporation in 2013 headed by President Jerry Chen who is looking to lead the aviation industry for the legendary brand.

Mooney’s history of innovation includes designed and produced the first pressurized single-engine, piston-powered aircraft (M22 Mustang), first production aircraft M20J 201 to achieve 200 mph on 200 hp, first single-engine power-control certified (FADEC) aircraft M20L Porsche in the United States and much more.

Mooney also has great achievements in the aviation history by setting 132 world speed records, designed and produced the fastest transcontinental flight in a single-engine, piston-powered production aircraft, and routinely cruising at altitudes and speeds similar to a twin-engine turboprop.

Mooney now has a manufacturing facility in Kerrville, Texas, which occupies 270,000 square miles with a base of more than 100 employees. They also have a research and development facility in Chino, California is leading the development of the all-new Mooney M10 series aircraft. There are currently more than 70 employees which more than 50 of them are engineers. And a sales and marketing office based in Beijing China to coordinate overseas events.

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Mooney’s Manufacturing headquarter at Kerrville, Texas.

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A M10 model with a Xoar Tri-bladed prop in research and development phase.

AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition

AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition

The 2015 AIAA/Cessna Aircraft Company/Raytheon Missile Systems Design/Build/Fly Competition Flyoff was held at TIMPA Field in Tucson, AZ on the weekend of April 10-12, 2015. This was the 19th year the competition was held. Of the 100 entries this year, 84 teams submitted written reports to be judged and were eligible to participate in the flyoff. Sixty-five (65) teams attended the flyoff, all of which completed the technical inspection. Over 650 students, faculty, and guests were present. The weather was excellent allowing for non-stop flying. Of the 262 official flight attempts, 121 resulted in a successful score with 56 teams achieving a flight score (a new record!). Twentythree (23) teams successfully completed all three missions. The quality of the teams, their readiness to compete, and the execution of the flights continues to improve each year.

The contest theme this year was a Remote Sensor Delivery and Drop System. The first mission was a Ferry Flight with no payload to see how many laps each team could fly in 4 minutes. The second mission was a Sensor Package Transport Mission with a 5 lb internal payload with the time to fly three laps as the score. The third mission was a Sensor Drop Mission in which the externally carried payload (12” whiffle balls) were dropped on each lap with the score being the number of laps with a successful drop. A ground mission was also required consisting of a timed loading of the payloads for mission 2 and 3. As usual, the total score is the product of the flight score and written report score. More details on the mission requirements can be found at the competition website: http://www.aiaadbf.org.

First Place went to the University of Ljubljana, the first time an international team has won DBF, Second Place went to University of California Irvine and Third Place went to Georgia Institute of Technology. A full listing of the results is included below. The Best Paper Award, sponsored by the Design Engineering TC for the highest report score, went to Georgia Institute of Technology with a score of 98.50.

The 6th Beijing International Modern Agricultural Exhibition (CIMAE) 2015

The 6th Beijing International Modern Agricultural Exhibition (CIMAE) 2015

The 6th China (Beijing) International Modern Agricultural Exhibition (CIMAE 2015) was held at the National Agriculture Exhibition Center (CNAEC), Beijing, China, from 19-21 April 2015. The event attracted over 30,000 visitors and showcase 428 exhibits from 10 countries – USA, Japan, Germany, Israel, Canada, Korea, Russia, Belarus, Norway and Austria.

Xoar AreoTech was one of the 428 exhibitors at the CIMAE 2015 to present the aviation systems of UAV, Drones, and Multicopters for Agricultural purpose specializing in heavy duty payload applications. See below for some snap shots of Multicopters, UAV, and Drones for the Agriculture industry.

multicopter

drone

multicopter

Website: http://en.cimae.com.cn/

Xoar working with Johnny Beavers & 7LineMedia

Xoar working with Johnny Beavers & 7LineMedia

We’re excited to announce that Xoar is working with Johnny Beavers & 7LineMedia. Can’t wait to do many cool things together!

Johnny Beavers is an entrepreneur and a founder of 7LineMedia LLC. (est. 2007), a leader in Aerial Cinematography utilizing technologically advanced UAV platforms. Pairing this technology with technique, Johnny has helped set the bar for this rapidly growing field.

Johnny’s feature film work includes “FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS” (Voltage Pictures 2015), “GRUDGE MATCH” (Warner Brothers 2014), “THE EXPENDABLES 3” (Lionsgate 2014), “FARMLAND” (Allentown Prod. 2014), “SPARK: A BURNING MAN STORY” (Spark Pictures 2013) and television production with ABC, BBC, AMC, PBS, FOX SPORTS, PGA TOUR, TRAVEL CHANNEL, DISCOVERY CHANNEL, HISTORY CHANNEL, and ANIMAL PLANET.

Website: http://www.johnnybeavers.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/7linemedia
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/7linemedia
Instagram: https://instagram.com/johnny_beavers/

Stark Aerospace “HoverLite”

Stark Aerospace “HoverLite”

Stark Aerospace, as part of a rapid research and development effort sponsored by the Combatting Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), introduces the HoverLite tactical tethered hovering aerial ISR system. HoverLite provides exceptional asymmetric observation and surveillance capabilities supporting military, homeland security and civilian missions for pop-up surveillance, border patrol, crowd monitoring, and emergency rapid response missions.

Rising to a height of 165 ft. in ~ 15 seconds, HoverLite is secured by a tether providing power and bi-directional signals to and from the aerial platform and its sensor(s). HoverLite can be operated on the move and broadcasts ISR products to users on the network or local with no signature.

“We are excited to offer this new capability to the ISR market”, said Robert Foglesong, Chairman & CEO of Stark Aerospace. “The HoverLite serves a huge gap in fast reaction 360 degree situational awareness.”

The platform is capable of carrying any payload of up to 13.2 lbs. HoverLite is suitable for a wide range of small platforms including pick-up trucks, ATVs, UGVs/USVs (unmanned ground /surface vehicles), boats, communication vehicles, etc.

Technical Specifications

  • Maximum hover height: 165 ft
  • Deployment time: 15 seconds
  • Wind Limit: 25 Kt ~ 28.8 MPH
  • T-STAMP-ER Payload

T-STAMPER-ER electro-optical stabilized gimbal payload

  • Stabilization at the nadir by 3-gimbal system
  • GPS aided IMU on LOS provides target geo-location
  • Day Channel
  • Continuous optical zoom (X20)
  • Thermal Camera
  • FPA 640×512 pixels
  • Laser Pointer
Lexus Quadcopters x KMel Robotics = Amazing in Motion – SWARM

Lexus Quadcopters x KMel Robotics = Amazing in Motion – SWARM

‘Swarm’ is the result of cutting edge technology combined with imagination and
creativity.

Executed in collaboration with KMel robotics, and directed by Sam Brown, Swarm’ takes advanced quadrotor technology out of the testing laboratory and into the real world, to produce a dramatic and engaging story. These unique quadrotors were inspired by the design and material principles of Lexus and constructed to an incredible level of detail and precision. Advanced motion capture camera technology is then used to programme the complex movement paths of each quadrotor, resulting in the stunning movement patterns seen in the film.

‘Swarm’ is the second Amazing in Motion project from Lexus. Visit amazinginmotion.com to experience the full story behind ‘Swarm’ and to see the first Amazing in Motion project ‘Steps’.