Inside Unmanned Systems

FEB-MAR 2016

Inside Unmanned Systems provides actionable business intelligence to decision-makers and influencers operating within the global UAS community. Features include analysis of key technologies, policy/regulatory developments and new product design.

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6 unmanned systems inside January/February 2016 EDITORIAL OPINION Photos courtesy of (Top to Bottom) Soon-Jo Chung, InnovaSea, Duke Energy T he FAA has expanded its efforts to allow beyond line-of-sight f lights in the U.S. and the European Union is working on a unified and truly innovative set of rules for unmanned aircraft. The long awaited release of U.S. rules for open ocean aquaculture has opened the door to an entirely new industry and a potentially large market for unmanned marine systems. Not only that, new technologies are emerging to take advantage of all these developments. With beyond line-of-sight operations essential for applications like pipeline inspection to be practical, the FAA—led in part by Marke 'Hoot' Gibson (see page 58)—has tasked ASSURE, its new Center of Excellence, with finding out what it will take to make it work. ASSURE is reaching out to industry to un- derstand how drones are actually being flown and, as our story on page 52 de- tails, develop scenarios for testing sense and avoid systems as part of eventu- ally allowing at least limited, long-range flights by small, unmanned aircraft. Easing those f light limits would be a boon to utility firms already en- tranced by the potential of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) for perform- ing inspections. They are trialing platforms and testing sensors and what they are learning is described in our story on page 16. But the potential market for drone-based monitoring stretches beyond railways and power grids. New platforms inspired by birds and bats are emerging that could enable safer surveillance and inspection of complex areas like construction sites. We report on the research, starting on page 35, which could not only lead to safer and more energy efficient drones but far more maneuverable UAS. Some of the makers of those drones may not have to wait too much longer to 'test their wings.' As our story on page 12 explains, the European Union is closing in on innovative flight rules based only on the nature of the application and not the type of drone. These rules will apply to all corners of the European Union making cross-border sales and operations far easier in what is already a growing European market, as our industry snap shot on page 18 shows. While expanding markets are exciting, the creation of a truly new commer- cial sector is rare and energizing. Just such an opportunity is emerging, as described in our story on page 44. Driven by surging demand for seafood and limitations on other sources, open ocean farms worth tens of millions each are expected to take root around the world. Unmanned systems are already an es- sential part of these operations but those involved in the industry are seeking better, robotic solutions to a number of new challenges like the cleaning the enclosures, monitoring and harvesting fish and protecting mussel beds. With new markets opening and an easier regulatory climate on the horizon, there is every reason to be optimistic. Inside Unmanned Systems is embracing this potential with an expanded publishing schedule. Now, every two months we'll be publishing stories on all the latest research and market developments as well as new applications and changes in the regulatory landscape. See you in 60 days. for optimism good reason

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