Langley Drone Swarms, Felon Captured & Advanced Lift Regulation | October 28, 2024

In this episode of Weekly Wings, hosts Paul Rossi, Samuel Stansberry and Terry Neff explore the latest in drone technology, military countermeasures, and regulatory updates. The conversation kicks off with reports of a mysterious drone swarm sighted over Langley Air Force Base. The team delves into the implications of these sightings and the ongoing investigations to determine their origins, sparking discussions on airspace security.

Following that, they discuss the U.S. Army's development of what could be their most effective counter-UAS system yet, with a focus on reducing red tape to enable faster drone deployment in combat scenarios. The episode then shifts to the introduction of counter-UAS training in basic training, highlighting the military's response to the growing threat of drone warfare - https://breakingdefense.com/2024/10/us-army-takes-on-most-effective-counter-drone-system-yet-red-tape/ and https://www.militarytimes.com/video/2024/10/24/counter-drone-training-for-soldiers/

In the tech spotlight, Mitsubishi’s wind detection drone technology emerges as a game-changer for optimizing wind farm placements. The team discusses how this innovation, driven by AI, allows drones to collect accurate wind data to determine ideal locations for renewable energy installations - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/22/mitsubishi-electric-develops-uav-based-wind-detection-system-for-optimized-wind-farm-placement/

Turning to regulatory news, the team covers DJI’s lawsuit against the Department of Defense as the company challenges its designation as a "Chinese military company," a classification impacting DJI’s business in the U.S. - https://www.newsweek.com/chinese-drone-firm-suing-pentagon-represented-former-obama-ag-1972528

The episode then explores a recent archaeological discovery along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan, where drones equipped with LiDAR have unveiled hidden outposts, fortresses, and plazas, reshaping our understanding of ancient trade routes - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/lost-centuries-silk-road-cities-are-revealed-drone-technology-rcna176990 On the law enforcement front, drones recently helped locate a convicted felon in Nelson County, allowing authorities to make a quick arrest without endangering officers - https://www.wlky.com/article/drone-locates-convicted-felon-nelson-county/62709888

The team also examines a drone crash during a Boston Celtics event, which injured two people, underscoring the importance of proper drone regulations in populated areas - https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-celtics-cnn-tnt-drone-crash/

Finally, they wrap up with a discussion on the FAA's new regulations for powered-lift aircraft. These standards, essential for certifying pilots and instructors, are paving the way for the future of eVTOL and advanced air mobility in the U.S. - https://dronelife.com/2024/10/23/faa-issues-final-rule-for-powered-lift-aircraft-a-major-milestone-for-evtol-and-advanced-air-mobility/