Completes Test Flight With New Hybrid UAS Propulsion System

LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions reports the successful flight trials, in collaboration with Offshore Aviation. The announcement comes three months after introducing their hybrid GenSet technology for drones. The OA-8C (ER) Dragonfly, an unmanned quadcopter aircraft, was equipped with LaunchPoint’s integrated 5.5 kW hybrid-electric HPS055 GenSet. The flight-extending technology allowed the Dragonfly’s hover endurance to increase to more than 90 minutes in 90-degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature without refueling. Forward flight and lower temperature is expected to increase endurance. Weight reported was 62lbs. empty with 13 lbs. of fuel bringing the total take off we

First Aviation-Iridium Satcom To Demonstrate Connectivity At Up To 700 kbps

Honeywell and Iridium have partnered to become a Value-Added Manufacturer for aviation terminals operating on the Iridium NEXT network. Honeywell’s Aspire 150 and 350 systems are the first aviation Satcom systems that will demonstrate connectivity under Iridium Certus service at up to 700 kbps. Easy to install, these new systems minimize costs and aircraft downtime. After downsizing from previous generations, the Aspire 150 and Aspire 350 will help minimize fuel consumption as well. Aspire 150 provides operators with fast and cost-effective connectivity. Aspire 350 provides these same benefits but with the addition of global Future Air Navigation System datalink

Loaded With 420 Gallons Of Fungicide And Climbed To About 30 Ft AGL Before The Engine Lost Power

On July 19, 2021, about 1410 central daylight time, a Grumman G-164B agricultural airplane, N8422K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Amana, Iowa. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight. The initial report indicated that the airplane’s engine lost power shortly after departure from runway 22. The airplane was loaded with 420 gallons of fungicide and climbed to about 30 ft above ground level before the engine lost power.