In an April 2012 news story, Bloomberg News reported that the UAS (Unmanned Air Space) industry in the United States is valued at $5.9B with an estimated increase to $11.3B by 2021 – less than 10 years away. With this rapid development the need for UAS use in civil operations and competition in UAS manufacture and operations from other countries such as Israel, it is imperative that the FAA immediately set standards to integrate UAS into the national airspace, as well as designate national test sites to facilitate the process. There are to be 6 sites designated in the next year.

Oregon State University ( the Champions to the project) recommends the FAA consider the strengths of Central Oregon/Northwest as a test site. Central Oregon has a large area of restricted air space with low traffic of which could be utilized as test space. Areas include the Juniper MOA and space up on the Warm Springs reservation, with the Madras Airport just south. Central Oregon offers a very diverse geography, consistent climate, substantiated infrastructure and desirable lifestyle.

OSU Cascades and Central Oregon Community College are offering classes specific to Unmanned Vehicle Systems making it apparent that Central Oregon/Northwest should be chosen to be one of the test sites.

A week of progress for the M1400 airship | The Edgefighter.

http://www.auvsi.org/AUVSI/News/#FAAlaw

President Obama Signs FAA Bill into Law Starting the Clock on the FAA’s UAS Integration EffortsFeburary 14, 2012

President Obama sent a Valentine’s Day present to the aviation community, including the unmanned systems industry, signing the long-overdue Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) bill into law on 14 Feb., which includes important provisions on the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system.

The last time Congress passed an FAA bill was in 2003, when UAS were just starting to show their value and viability in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In recognition of how fast UAS technology is advancing, in addition to the huge potential civil and commercial market, Congress included language requiring the FAA to expedite the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace. Congress set a deadline of 30 Sept. 2015 for full integration. Start the clock!

“Technology is advancing to the point where we now know these systems can reliably fly. The next step is to work on the regulations that govern the rules of the sky to ensure that unmanned aircraft do no harm to other manned aircraft or to people or property on the ground,” said AUVSI’s President and CEO, Michael Toscano. “We applaud the foresight of Congress and look forward to working with the FAA to implement these requirements.”

Some of the major UAS provisions in the FAA bill include:

• Setting a 30 Sept., 2015 deadline for full integration of UAS into the national airspace
• Requiring a comprehensive integration plan within nine months
• Requiring the FAA to create a five-year UAS roadmap (which should be updated annually)
• Requiring small UAS (under 55lbs) to be allowed to fly within 27 months
• Requiring six UAS test sites within six months (similar to the language in the already-passed defense bill)
• Requiring small UAS (under 55lbs) be allowed to fly in the U.S. Arctic, 24 hours a day, beyond line-of-sight, at an altitude of at least 2,000 feet, within one year
• Requiring expedited access for public users, such as law enforcement, firefighters, emergency responders
• Allowing first responders to fly very small UAS (4.4lbs or less) within 90 days if they meet certain requirements. The goal is to get law enforcement and firefighters immediate access to start flying small systems to save lives and increase public safety. Although 4.4lbs doesn’t sound like a lot, there are numerous platforms available that meet this requirement.
• Requiring the FAA to study UAS human factors and causes of accidents

The bill also includes an exemption for model aircraft, as long as the aircraft weighs less than 55lbs and follows a set of community-based safety standards

M1400 airship aft thruster installed | The Edgefighter.

Essential engineering and manufacturing modifications made by Kawak Aviation to allow for non conventional vectoring of the engine.  All mounting parts designed and manufactured by  Kawak Aviation Technologies and our ingenious team. Pylons, Nacelle ( what the engine mounts to) and Cowling.

Blue Devil Airship is Getting a Super-High-Speed Optical Laser Downlink Upgrade | Popular Science.

M1400 airship tail fin

The M1400 airship is some 370+ feet long. And as one would expect, its tail fins are quite large. Following is a picture of one tail fin prior to final assembly. The fin structure consists of three components that, upon assembly, will reach to approximately 30-feet in height. The tail fin structure will be covered with a woven synthetic material prior to rigging on the M1400 hull. Also pictured is the leading edge of the M1400 tail fin. Unlike the main tail fin assemblies, the leading edge is composed of hardened carbon fiber, which provides enhanced structural support, aerodynamic efficiency, and strike protection for the tail fin.

M1400 airship cars | The Edgefighter.

The Edgefighter | An open dialogue on innovation in the defense industry..

Kawak built test rig and airship pylons…