Dr. Keisuke Umezawa of the Air Systems Research Center in the Japanese Ministry of Defense (JMoD) recently joined the Air Force Research Laboratory on an engineers and scientists exchange program (ESEP). The JMoD chose Umezawa for the ESEP based on his experience as a stress analysist of polymer matrix composite materials. Also, Umezawa has been heavily involved in the development of the next generation Japanese fighter aircraft, including the development of the test program for prototype PMC structures.

Development of a virtual reality-like projection system to study insect vision could eventually provide the U.S. Air Force with a new type of navigation system.

In an effort to enhance soldier lethality, Army researchers are developing biorecognition receptors capable of consistent performance in multi-domain environments with the ability to collect real-time assessments of soldier health and performance.

Most drones are not able to withstand wind because of their fixed-arm design. But a new drone design works in windy conditions, is more energy-efficient, and can handle a larger payload. It was inspired by the wings and flight patterns of insects and incorporates automatic folding arms that can make in-flight adjustments.

A new study of the environmental sustainability impacts of flying cars (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or VTOLs) finds that they wouldn’t be suitable for a short commute but could be valuable in congested cities or in places where there are geographical constraints.

UAVOS, the European company best known for its ApusDuo high-altitude, solar-powered, pseudo-satellite – not to mention its cutting-edge autopilot technology – introduced three new unmanned helicopters at AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL show in Chicago.

In an exhibit hall full of drones and unmanned vehicles, one of the more interesting concepts on display at AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL show in Chicago was the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Flying Sea Glider.

As always, the Air Force Research Laboratory had a huge presence at AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL show in Chicago. Among the topics and presentations they were hosting at their booth was: UAS Simulation Software, Hybrid Power Systems, Air-Launched Operations, Displays and Controls, Technology Accelerators, and their Swarm AI Competition.

Pentek, Inc. designs embedded computer boards and recording systems for DSP, software radio and data acquisition for both COTS and rugged environments. In an interview with Aerospace & Defense Technology, Vice President Rodger Hosking explained how signal recorder technology is being implemented in military unmanned vehicles.

One of the more unique items on display at this year’s AUVSI XPONENTIAL show at Chicago’s McCormick Place was this prototype of a one-man quad-copter from ElectraFly for the very brave at heart.