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October 20, 2021

Volocopter’s VoloDrone Takes Flight

Heavy-Lift UAV Makes All-Electric Delivery

German company VoloCopter has carried out its first successful test flight for the new VoloDrone, their upcoming heavy-lift UAV. The 3-minute test flight reached an altitude of 72 feet while carrying a Euro-pallet sized lest load. The aircraft delivered its payload to a DB Schenker Cargo Bike that completed ground delivery to its final destination.

Integration with Airborne Mission Systems Allows Mobile Data Capture

Aiding firefighting operators in their efforts, Flightcell has announced integration between their flagship product, the DZMx and Airborne Mission Systems’ AFDAU-T1 (Aerial Firefighting Data Acquisition Unit) to enhance the accuracy of data tracking, mission capability, and targeting accuracy. The AFDAU-T1 already contains automated bucket calibration, volume detection, and data logging for contractual reporting needs, with the ability to mark the precise location of each fill and drop event. The DZMx is an all-in-one satellite and cellular solution for data transmission.

Pilot Experienced A “Jolt” And Suddenly The Helicopter “Dropped”

On September 23, 2021, about 1500 Pacific daylight time, a Hiller UH-12E helicopter, N5334V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bovill, Idaho. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The pilot reported that he had been applying dry fertilizer over trees as part of a timber company contract and had flown about 5.7 hours that day. As he was approaching the service truck to refill his bucket, about 40 ft above ground level and about 20 ft from the truck, the pilot experienced a “jolt” and suddenly the helicopter “dropped&r