Aloft Integrates Remote ID, Phoenix Air Nationwide BVLOS, and an AI Faster at FPV Than Pilots

In this weekly UAS News update, we have three stories for you. First, Aloft integrates Remote ID into their Fleet Management. Phoenix Air gets nationwide BVLOS approval. Lastly, an AI system proves faster at FPV racing than professional FPV pilots. Let’s dive in.

Aloft Remote ID compliance

The first story this week concerns Aloft updating their fleet management software to show Remote ID compliance. This will integrate into your existing fleet to manage which aircraft are compliant and which are not. This is crucial, especially with the compliance deadline of September 16 looming. Continuing, Aloft seems to be integrating Remote ID detection into Air Control and potentially “B4UFLY.” Custom reports will also be available, allowing public safety agencies to view metrics and maps tailored to their specific needs. As of now, this update hasn’t been integrated into the app, but it’s anticipated soon. We’ll keep you informed and test it once it’s available.

Phoenix Air Unmanned secured nationwide BVLOS

Next, Phoenix Air Unmanned has secured nationwide BVLOS for specific tasks. The conditions for this BVLOS stipulate they must fly in Class G airspace only, in sparsely populated areas, and follow pre-planned routes to avoid known obstacles. These flights are restricted to areas over linear infrastructure with a right-of-way and must remain within 100 feet above and 20 feet to the left and right of the centerline of the infrastructure being inspected. The aircraft utilized is the Swiss Drones SVO50 V2, a 191-pound helicopter-style UAV. Notably, this isn’t your average DJI Mavic 3. The SVO50 boasts an endurance of three hours, nine-foot rotor blades, an 11-kilowatt jet turbine for power, and a variety of data link options. Impressively, this drone has two top-mounted rotors that spin independently.

Swift’s AI system controls an FPV drone

Lastly, Swift’s AI system controls an FPV drone that’s reportedly faster than professional human pilots. Using onboard sensors, Swift determines gate positions, drone orientation, and necessary adjustments. These sensors include an IMU, camera, and gate detector. The information is processed and sent to the flight controller to adjust the drone’s attitude and altitude. Recent races comprised three laps, and AI consistently finished in record times. It’s intriguing that onboard AI systems can now outpace professional FPV pilots.

In closing, we’ll be at the Commercial UAV Expo next week. Leaving on Monday, come see us at Booth 333. We have giveaways and exclusive items. Following that, we’ll be in Colorado for two events. Don’t forget to check out our Remote ID video. It’s packed with essential details many have anticipated. See you next week! We’ll be live on Monday from the Commercial UAV Expo. Tune in at 4 p.m. Pacific, which is 7 p.m. Eastern. Until then!